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Malformations of the children by the pregnancy test Duogynon?
In the 1960s and 1970s, numerous children were born in Germany with malformations such as spina bifida (open back), water head or heart defects. Soon there was evidence that the drug Duogynon could be responsible for it. The victims of the drug scandal are still fighting for their rights.
Severe malformations possibly by hormone preparation
Until the late 1970s, the hormone preparation Duogynon the company Schering was used for menstrual problems and as a pregnancy test. The preparation was composed of progesterone and estradiol. The hormones probably harmed the unborn. According to media reports, about 1,000 women were born in the following years children with severe disabilities. The women had taken the drug in early pregnancy. Numerous newborns had disabilities such as a water head, open back, open stomach to severe malformations of the internal organs.
In some cases, such as with Contergan, it has been shown that medications can lead to severe birth defects. Even against the pregnancy test Duogynon is such a suspicion. The victims still fight for their rights. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com) Pharmaceutical company knew already then
In 1980, the preparation of the preparation was discontinued, the funds were taken from the drug market.
As the Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) writes on its website, there are many indications that "this is one of the biggest pharmaceutical scandals in the Federal Republic". According to the information files have now appeared, which show: "Schering knew that Duogynon may lead to malformations. But the company earned millions with Duogynon and drove the drug on, "said the BR.
Connection between duogynone and malformations
Already in 1967, studies pointed to a connection between duogynone and malformations. Thereafter, the drug was banned in England as a pregnancy test. In Germany, however, nothing happened. According to BR, Schering got help from an authority, which at the time was responsible for drug safety, the Federal Health Office (BGA). This is what research by the BR political magazine Kontrovers has shown.
Federal Health Office on the part of the pharmaceutical producer
According to the report, a member of the Federal Health Office described himself and the Office in the Duogynon case as "Schering attorneys". This employee informed Schering AG accordingly over and over again about internal procedures in the office and tried to bring about the decisions of the office in the sense Scherings.
He also made it clear that the BGA is about preventing Duogynon from being taken off the market.
Bayer turns crosswise
When Bayer filed a lawsuit against Duogynon in 2010 in Berlin, the pharmaceutical company announced: "A causality between the malformations and the product could not be determined. At this level of knowledge, nothing has changed to this day ".
According to BR, the company still takes the position that a link between the use of Duogynon and malformations has never been proven.
Victims fight for their rights
To date, a group of victims is fighting to be recognized as a pharmaceutical victim. The syndicate demands from the responsible persons in addition to an apology also a damage fund after the model of the Contergan fund. On the website "www.duogynonopfer.de" is informed about the topic. It also asks victims to share their story: "Every story in life is different ... and every single story deserves attention. Please write us and report your "case"! "(Ad)