What did the 1999 Glaxo Wellcome “Dear Health Care Professional” letter state?
An excerpt from the letter included the following: “Glaxo Wellcome announces that it is voluntarily withdrawing its oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic, Raxar (grepafloxacin), with immediate effect, as a result of emerging safety concerns. In coming to this decision the company has recognized the need to strike a balance between the therapeutic benefits of the medicine, the potential risk of side effects, and the availability of alternative treatments. Glaxo Wellcome has discussed the safety profile of Raxar with the appropriate regulatory authorities and cardiovascular medical specialists. The decision to withdraw the medicine has been taken on the recommendation of Glaxo Wellcome’s senior medical review group, and the company is in the process of informing doctors and pharmacists of the decision in countries where Raxar is marketed.
