Anti-malaria drug at centre of court actions in a number of countries.
Lately a number of legal actions involving mefloquine have been making news, so I thought I’d summarize them all for you.
These court actions will start to put pressure on governments around the world and, on the pharmaceutical industry industry as well, in particular Roche. They were hoping all of this would simply go away. Instead it has exploded, and the shockwaves are now spreading across the globe.
Ireland
Retired soldier withdraws case against State over prescription of anti-malaria drug
Two weeks ago we found out that Irish veteran Anthony Moore was suing the Irish Minister of Defense and the Attorney General in a personal injury claim. Moore was suing for damages for injuries he claimed were the result of taking Lariam while on peacekeeping duty.
On Thursday, July 4th, it was reported that Moore was withdrawing the case. He has not made a statement, however a post on the Action Lariam for Irish Soldiers Facebook page appears to allude to a possible reason for the withdrawal.
Despite incredible odds, Anthony Moore was able to stand up to those who wronged him, and let them know that he holds them accountable for what happened. He entered the fight knowing full well that the deck was stacked against him, and by doing so demonstrated that his cause was righteous.
So a big cheer goes out to Tony Moore, for not only talking the talk, but walking the walk.
The United States
A lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California on May 21st by U.S. Army veteran Gabriel Au Buchon against F.Hoffmann – La Roche Ltd. (Roche Pharmaceuticals) the company behind the anti-malarial drug mefloquine hydrochloride, otherwise known as mefloquine (brand name Lariam).
There are five causes of action listed in the complaint including:
1. Strict Products Liability— Failure to Warn
2. Negligence
3. Deceit by Concealment (Violation of Civil Code §§ 1709—1710)
4. Fraud
5. Negligent Misrepresentation and Defendants. Concealment
The court filing also lists the myriad of symptoms he suffers that range from the unpleasant to the life-threatening.
“…He has suffered classic neuropsychiatric symptoms of mefloquine toxicity since: insomnia, abnormal dreams and nightmares, anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, aggression, paranoia, and cognitive dysfunction, which have contributed to his diagnoses of depression, major depression not otherwise specified (NOS), major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood and anxiety, anxiety disorder NOS, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, chronic neurologic symptoms of tinnitus, dizziness, headache, Visual photosensitivity, paresthesias, and other vestibular disorders.“
15. anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, paranoia, suicidal ideation, insomnia, restlessness, and periodic limb movements during sleep, which have contributed to his diagnoses of adjustment reaction, dysthymja, depression, mood disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), bipolar disorder, and restless leg syndrome (RLS), dizziness and disequilibrium.
In the complaint Au Buchon is requesting a jury trial.
Awards for damages are to be determined by the court.
Shortly after this information was first posted two more individuals came forward and confirmed that they have also filed claims against Roche. In addition to Gabriel Au Buchon, veterans Matthew Coon and Kristie Sheets are suing Roche in California Superior court.
American veterans are prohibited by law from suing the government for liability in any kind of claim, so they are going directly to the company responsible for the damage that was done to their brains, and their lives.
They are represented by:
Panish Shea & Boyle LLP
11111 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 700
Los Angeles, California 90025
Tel: 310-477-1700
Lead Counsel:
Kevin Boyle
and
Siminou Appeals Inc.
2305 Historic Decatur Road, Ste.100
San Diego, California 92106
Tel: 858-877-4184
Benjamin I. Siminouben@siminouappeals.com
Canada
Eight veterans have filed suit against the Government of Canada in the Federal Court of Canada. Each is asking for damages in excess of $10 million and are alleging that the Government, through the Department of National Defence, ordered members of the Canadian Armed Forces to take an anti-malarial medication known as “Mefloquine” without adequately informing CAF members of the severe adverse reactions, despite warnings from the drug manufacturer.
They are being representd by:
Howie, Sacks & Henry
20 Queen Street West
Suite 3500
Toronto, ON M5H 3R3
First Callers: 877-771-7006
Clients: 877-474-5997
Phone: 416-361-5990
Fax: 416-361-0083
Lead Counsel:
Paul Miller
pmiller@hshlawyers.com
For more information on the Mefloquine Lawsuits, or to add your name to the list please visit:
https://www.hshlawyers.com/expertise/mass-tort-class-action-litigation/mefloquine/
or call Paul Miller at 416-361-5990.
The Advocate-Equalizer 
I retired from the US Army and deployed to Somalia on Nov 1993. I experience some side effects from taking Lariam. Unfortunately just learned about this drug about 4 months ago. Seeking legal advise.
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