A French court has ordered a formal investigation of German pharmaceutical firm Merck for failing to inform patients about the side effects of its thyroid drug, Levothyrox.

The lawyer representing Merck’s France unit, Mario-Pierre Stasi, has assured that the company would cooperate with the investigative authorities saying that all legal proceedings must be allowed to run their course.

On Tuesday, the pharma company was charged with “aggravated deceit” after its president was questioned by a judge in southern Marseille city.

Merck said the ruling did not raise concern on the quality of the new formula for Levothyrox, and added that it would provide “all necessary information to show there was no criminal fault of any kind”, reports AFP.

According to Merck, France is the world’s biggest consumer of Levothyrox, with around 2.5 million users taking the drug.

In 2017, a new version of Levothyrox was introduced. However, around 30,000 people in France complained of headaches, insomnia, hair loss or dizziness from taking the new concoction.

Levothyrox drug is used to treat underactive thyroids or following surgery for cancer of the organ, which regulates the body’s metabolism.

The patients accused Merck of misleading them about the potential new side effects, following which a petition was filed calling on the company to bring back the old formula. The petition had gained around 170,000 signatures.

In march 2022, the French Supreme Court rejected the company’s appeal against a lower court’s ruling in 2020 that ordered Merck to compensate 3,300 plaintiffs in a civil case.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A French court has ordered a formal investigation of German pharmaceutical firm Merck for failing to inform patients about the side effects of its thyroid drug, Levothyrox.

A French court has ordered a formal investigation of German pharmaceutical firm Merck for failing to inform patients about the side effects of its thyroid drug, Levothyrox. The lawyer representing Merck’s France unit, Mario-Pierre Stasi, has assured that the company would cooperate with the investigative authorities saying that all legal proceedings must be allowed to run their course. On Tuesday, the pharma company was charged with “aggravated deceit” after its president was questioned by a judge in southern Marseille city. Merck said the ruling did not raise concern on the quality of the new formula for Levothyrox, and added that it would provide “all necessary information to show there was no criminal fault of any kind”, reports AFP. According to Merck, France is the world’s biggest consumer of Levothyrox, with around 2.5 million users taking the drug. In 2017, a new version of Levothyrox was introduced. However, around 30,000 people in France complained of headaches, insomnia, hair loss or dizziness from taking the new concoction. Levothyrox drug is used to treat underactive thyroids or following surgery for cancer of the organ, which regulates the body’s metabolism. The patients accused Merck of misleading them about the potential new side effects, following which a petition was filed calling on the company to bring back the old formula. The petition had gained around 170,000 signatures. In march 2022, the French Supreme Court rejected the company’s appeal against a lower court’s ruling in 2020 that ordered Merck to compensate 3,300 plaintiffs in a civil case. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French court charges German pharma firm Merck with ‘deceit’ over thyroid drug

On May 25 every year, World Thyroid Day (WTD) is observed to spread awareness about the thyroid. It also looks to highlight the importance of the timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disorders related to this organ. The day is also dedicated to patients suffering from thyroid disorders and researchers engrossed in the study and treatment of these diseases worldwide. It is important to understand how thyroid disorders affect patients and what can be done to alleviate their pain. &nbsp;

Let’s first get to know about thyroid. &nbsp;&nbsp;

What is Thyroid? &nbsp;

The butterfly-shaped gland, which is located inside throat, is called thyroid. It produces T3 (Thyroxine) and T4 (Triiodothyronine) and regulates the metabolism of body. The abnormalities of this gland can cause improper functioning of body systems. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-outbreak-uk-detects-36-new-cases-after-community-transmission-of-virus-481701" hreflang="en">Monkeypox outbreak: UK detects 36 new cases after community transmission of virus</a>

Thyroid disorders &nbsp;

The disorders related to thyroid are common in the world. It can happen to people of all ages. The fall in release of thyroid hormone can lead to sudden weight gain, which is called hypothyroidism. The rise in the release can result in unintentional weight loss or hyperthyroidism. &nbsp;

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A disorder can happen due to various factors like inflammation of the thyroid gland, iodine deficiency, cancerous tumours, etc. So, World Thyroid Day is an opportune moment to get to know about thyroid and its disorders as it is highly important in many ways. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

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On May 25 every year, World Thyroid Day (WTD) is observed to spread awareness about the thyroid. It also looks to highlight the importance of the timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disorders related to this organ.

On May 25 every year, World Thyroid Day (WTD) is observed to spread awareness about the thyroid. It also looks to highlight the importance of the timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disorders related to this organ. The day is also dedicated to patients suffering from thyroid disorders and researchers engrossed in the study and treatment of these diseases worldwide. It is important to understand how thyroid disorders affect patients and what can be done to alleviate their pain. Let’s first get to know about thyroid. What is Thyroid? The butterfly-shaped gland, which is located inside throat, is called thyroid. It produces T3 (Thyroxine) and T4 (Triiodothyronine) and regulates the metabolism of body. The abnormalities of this gland can cause improper functioning of body systems. Also Read: Monkeypox outbreak: UK detects 36 new cases after community transmission of virus Thyroid disorders The disorders related to thyroid are common in the world. It can happen to people of all ages. The fall in release of thyroid hormone can lead to sudden weight gain, which is called hypothyroidism. The rise in the release can result in unintentional weight loss or hyperthyroidism. WATCH WION LIVE HERE A disorder can happen due to various factors like inflammation of the thyroid gland, iodine deficiency, cancerous tumours, etc. So, World Thyroid Day is an opportune moment to get to know about thyroid and its disorders as it is highly important in many ways. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

On World Thyroid Day, time to get acquainted with organ's disorders  

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