Side- effects not linked to malaria drug

ANTI- MALARIAL drugs do not cause the adverse sideeffects suffered by Australian Defence Force personnel, according to a report handed down by a Senate inquiry.

The report comes after public hearings around the country to allow veterans and their families to make submissions about the impact on their lives of mefloquine and tafenoquine.

Almost 20 years ago about 3000 troops were given the antimalarial drugs while deployed in East Timor and Bougainville.

The report says neuropsychiatric reactions experienced by veterans are rare and there isn’t sufficient medical evidence to link the drugs to the side- effects.

“The committee heard there have been an estimated 40 million doses of mefloquine worldwide, with safety data on at least 1 million people in a recent … review,” the report says.

“The committee was provided with no evidence that the same symptoms reported by some veterans are manifesting in the Australian population or across the world in the civilian population.”

The issue of consent was also examined by the Inspector- General of the Australian Defence Force, who found the drug trials “were conducted ethically and lawfully”.

“Members voluntarily consented to participate in the trials involving mefloquine and tafenoquine, and were informed of the potential sideeffects known at the time,” the report says.

The committee was concerned ADF members said they were forced to take the drugs and recommended im- proving the informed consent process by updating Defence’s Human Research Ethics Committee.

Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole said she welcomed the inquiry as a discussion for veterans to have their voices heard.

“I was very passionate about ensuring we had a hearing in Townsville,” she said.

LNP candidate for Herbert Phillip Thompson said the report was only the beginning.

“I welcome this report and I will continue to advocate and rally around veterans and their families who have been adversely affected by the medication,” he said.

Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Darren Chester said the Government would consider the recommendations before providing a response next year.

People can phone 1800 633 567 for help.