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Dr Trevor Marshall
Foundation Staff
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Posted: Tue Jan 24th, 2006 05:56 |
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I would suggest that you document the problems with Pfizer to their licensor, Sankyo HQ, Japan. Japanese managers tend to be more sympathetic to folks with special problems than Pfizer Asutralia appears to be. I would suggest somebody writes to the Sankyo Japan President. I recall seeing Sankyo's financial reports on the web somewhere, you should be able to Google ofr that fairly easily 
ps: remember to show respect
pps: cite and link to our new paper to illustrate why Benicar is different from other ARBs
Last edited on Tue Jan 24th, 2006 07:40 by Dr Trevor Marshall
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Grace
Member in Phase 3
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| Location: | Australia |
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Posted: Tue Jan 24th, 2006 07:05 |
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The reply that Moxie got from Susan Parker was basally the same.I wrote back with more info etc,stating that I am letting the press become aware of the situation.I am also going to write again suggesting a goodwill measure on their part, to make it available on private prescription, first to get the numbers etc that will support their renegotiations back on the pbs table
I gave my chemist my script and pfizer contact detail who she did contact.They did not give her the story about safety etc,but did suggest other arb's the chemist told Pfizer that was not want my doctor had prescribed.I am going to another chemist soon ,and another and another
I wrote to my local member today asking for assistance etc.I also said the patent law should be amendment, ie a time limit on drugs that have been tga approved should be made available for at least a private prescription,or their patent be withdrawn so that another company can market it.Also the savings to the government in pensions and health cost
I think we really are the meat between the sandwich between pfizer[sankyo?USA,they have the s@#ts with Australian gov], and the gov PBS and fair trade agreement etc.But we are voters and consumers who have a voice
Keep going everyone,we have to win this one
Grace
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CFS, oct04 Ds=26/48, 4/07=7/24 MP PHI 2/05, PhII 6/05, PhIII 6/06, beni Q6H, Noirs rarely inside no nature light low watt, outside 40%10%, Hat, all covered, no gloves, paracetamol
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Dr Trevor Marshall
Foundation Staff
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Posted: Tue Jan 24th, 2006 07:39 |
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Calm down, Grace, and read my post (the one directly above yours)
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Ralph
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Tue Jan 24th, 2006 08:51 |
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Hi All,
I have today recieved the same responses from Linda Cockins Pfizer Marketing-team Leader Hypertension as did Moxie and Grace.
I think we should all take Trevors advice and write to Sankyo and see what they say.Given the amount of correspondence on this matter if we bombard them with plenty of emails they may just take notice.
regards,
Ralph
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Lungsarc1/3/05fatigue,bod/ache,irr/heartbt/ no meds|getting/sun,Bolle's only, BeniCom 2/4/06 q6h Start Ph 3 12-2-07. Jan 07 25D 10.8,Oct-25D 8 1,25-23Dec07 25D-16.8 1,25-81 22 Jan 09 25D-24 1,25-45,Jan10 25D-17 1,25-25 No Antibiotics from 3-2-10
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Moxie
Guests visiting Phase 1/2/3
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Posted: Tue Jan 24th, 2006 10:14 |
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This seems to be the company http://www.daiichisankyo.co.jp/eng/index.html
nowhere on the site can I find an email address and you cannot understand the President's name!! This is only contact available
Corporate Communications Department
DAIICHI SANKYO CO LTD
3-5-1 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 103-8426 Japan
Phone: +(03) 6225 1126
Fax: +(03) 6225 1132
I guess if we used info@daiichisankyo.co.jp it might arrive somewhere??
I think Susan Parker's excuse for not marketing Olmetec in Australia is a bit lame. When I had a longer think about her reply (proven safe only for people with hypertension) then why is the drug sold in other countries for other purposes??
Also for those who have emailed Hong Kong pharmacy, their internet is down and it is Chinese New Year beginning on 29th so that will definitely slow things down. It could take up to another week for a reply as they have BIG celebrations for generally a week.
So let's all just keep on hitting the buttons in the Year of the Dog!
Kung Hey Fat Choi!! Happy Chinese New Year
Moxie
Edited by Trevor - please be careful that your remarks are not disparaging. It is important to deal with Japanese companies with respect. Japanese managers take responsibility for their work. See, for example, the recent suicide of Livedoor executive). Please show respect, otherwise you will get nowhere.Last edited on Tue Jan 24th, 2006 15:35 by Dr Trevor Marshall
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CFS 25 years - FMS. Benicar 3 daily - Ph 2 16/5/05 - Ph 3 10/5/06 Metformin 500mg 1/2 bd. Vit D 45nmol/L (18ng/ml) 1,25 D 92pmol/L (38.3pg/ml)
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Moxie
Guests visiting Phase 1/2/3
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Posted: Sat Jan 28th, 2006 00:37 |
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Have just had reply back from Chinese Dispensary in Hong Kong on cost of Olmetec.
The price for 1 box of 30 tablets Olmetec 40mg is HK$350.00
the postage is around HK$40.00 and Plus Registered FEE about HK$13.00
Sorry we don't accept credit card payments
On the currency converter this looks much better in Aussie dollars.
HK$350 = AU$ 60.03 x 3 months supply + $180.09
Postage HK$53 = AU$9.09So total 3 month supply would be AU$180.09!!
SO SOMEONE PLEASE CHECK MY MATHS - IT JUST SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!
I will email them back and see how we can pay for this. It they don't accept credit card they will lose too much in bank fees for conversion.
Moxie
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CFS 25 years - FMS. Benicar 3 daily - Ph 2 16/5/05 - Ph 3 10/5/06 Metformin 500mg 1/2 bd. Vit D 45nmol/L (18ng/ml) 1,25 D 92pmol/L (38.3pg/ml)
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Sydney Chris
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Posted: Sat Jan 28th, 2006 02:54 |
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Moxie,
Without checking the currency conversion the box size is only 30 tabs.. not 96 as we have been getting from Germany.
If your conversions are correct then it would be AU$180.09 for what would essentially be one months supply or AU$2 per tab.
My last script from Germany was AU$655.02 for 4x 96 tablet boxes, or AU1.70 per tab. On that basis Germany is still the cheapest option we have at this time.
ChrisLast edited on Sat Jan 28th, 2006 06:10 by Sydney Chris
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Post viral syndrome IgG deficiency 125D74 IgG shots Ph1Mar05 Ph2Nov05 ModPh2Jan06 r/t KFTs Ph3Aug07 NoIRs lite exp r/t commute 25D<7.2(Jan07) 25D14.4(Mar08)
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paperjunk
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Posted: Sat Jan 28th, 2006 03:10 |
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As Chris said if the quote was for 30 per box, we're not comparing apples with apples.
To compare with 4 bottles from Germany (392 tablets) it would take 13 boxes from Hong Kong. (HK$4550) plus postage etc = HK$4,603 = AU$790 according to XE.com so not cheaper than Germany and Moxie mentioned in an email they don't take credit cards. My girlfriend is studying in Hong Kong at the moment so I could get her to get more info to confirm this. Also would they accept faxed/mailed/e-mailed prescriptions from Australia?Last edited on Sat Jan 28th, 2006 03:12 by paperjunk
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CFS 8 years| Zo-lpidem/piclone :Clonazepam: Melatonin, Avanza, Zyprexa| Mar 05: 1,25D=40 25D=6: Nov 07 1,25D=41 25D=8| Comm Ben: Oct 04| Mar 07: 40mgQ8H Mod Ph2| http://www.papercuts.me.uk
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Moxie
Guests visiting Phase 1/2/3
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Posted: Sat Jan 28th, 2006 06:17 |
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Yup, maths never was my strong point......
Have emailed to see how they want payment and scripts. But Germany sure is cheaper.
Hard to understand how this drug is dearer from Japan-Hong Kong-Australia than it is Japan-Germany-Australia.
I will let you know info when it arrives.
Moxie
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CFS 25 years - FMS. Benicar 3 daily - Ph 2 16/5/05 - Ph 3 10/5/06 Metformin 500mg 1/2 bd. Vit D 45nmol/L (18ng/ml) 1,25 D 92pmol/L (38.3pg/ml)
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ElizaH
Member
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Posted: Thu Feb 2nd, 2006 18:56 |
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We REALLY need ‘Benicar marketed in Australia.
I placed my second order for Votum/Benicar with inter-apotheke in Munich on 16 January. On 17 January I had an e-mail from them to say it was on its way. Good (I thought). No!. Because of eyesight problems (a combination of herx, low light and Noirs) I’d misread one digit on my credit card and sent the wrong number.
Their e-mail to advise me of this did not arrive and it took until 31 January for me to overcome the problem. (I’d e-mailed them on 30 January, when I found the mistake, but that one apparently did/nt arrive in Germany. A second e-mail on 31 January sorted it out.)
My order is now on its way but will not arrive until late next week at the earliest. My current batch runs out on Sunday. Fortunately I have contact with a fellow MPer in the same area and will be able to maintain continuity until my order arrives.
Request to other Aussies on MP.
Have any other Aussies experienced difficulties while obtaining their medication from overseas. If, for any reason, you have, please post here. If mine is not an isolated tale of woe we may be able to compile a genuine case of hardship to take to the media. I have noticed that such items seem to get a rapid and effective response.
My progress has definitely slowed over the last week due to the anxiety this delay has caused and it has been increased by Pfizer not responding to any of the four messages I have left on their answering machines.
ADD: Four boxes of Votum Cost Euros 405.20. This translated to $Aus 650.27 + 2.5% exchange fee of $16.25 = $666.52.
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Fatigue/nausea/skin late98 Uveitis+Glaucoma, dx Sarc dx 3/99, breathing probs 5/05: NOIRS 3/05: oxygen 24/7 5/06: 15Mar05 1,25D=80.76, 25D=13.2: Votum 40mg q6h 24/11/05 Phase1 12/05-4/06 Modif Ph 2 13/4/06
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Moxie
Guests visiting Phase 1/2/3
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Posted: Sat Feb 4th, 2006 03:01 |
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Sorry to report I have had no further reply from Hong Kong Dispensary. I did ask them all the hard questions e.g. how we can pay for our scripts and faxing scripts etc. I will follow up shortly.
Yes Grace, I may run out of Benicar before my next lot arrives because I just did not have the money to order in time. I am not in touch with anyone who can help me out with some. This is a concern that I have having tried substitiuting just one Benicar a day with Telmisartan and falling in a heap, I don't want to repeat that.
These are the people I have emailed in the past about publicising MP.
Channel Nine - A Current Affair
Norman Swan - Health Watch ABC
Sunday Mail Health Reporter in Brisbane
Leigh Hatcher from Sky Channel who wrote about his CFS experience in his book
to no avail. When I had a tiny piece published in Letters to the Editor in Sunday Mail in Brisbane a few weeks ago, they published my name and suburb. I had lots of phone calls after they went through the phone book looking for me and the newspaper phoned me several times asking if they could pass on my number as many people had emailed them for details.
Certainly lots of interest out there but I don't seem to have the knack of writing dynamic letters to get anyone interested!!
Moxie
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CFS 25 years - FMS. Benicar 3 daily - Ph 2 16/5/05 - Ph 3 10/5/06 Metformin 500mg 1/2 bd. Vit D 45nmol/L (18ng/ml) 1,25 D 92pmol/L (38.3pg/ml)
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Dr Trevor Marshall
Foundation Staff
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Posted: Sat Feb 4th, 2006 03:16 |
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Moxie,
I think some hospitals in Australia have Valsartan (Diovan) available, which can substitute a little bit for Benicar. Do you have that available locally? I think it is a special needs thing...
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Moxie
Guests visiting Phase 1/2/3
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Posted: Sat Feb 4th, 2006 03:46 |
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Yes Trevor, this drug was on my list of things to ask GP next time I visit e.g. whether it could be used for an emergency. Having trialled Telmisartan for just that purpose and failed abysmally, thought Valsartan may be worth a go. Valsartan is TGA approved here in Australia so will check it out.
Thanks for your help.
Moxie
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CFS 25 years - FMS. Benicar 3 daily - Ph 2 16/5/05 - Ph 3 10/5/06 Metformin 500mg 1/2 bd. Vit D 45nmol/L (18ng/ml) 1,25 D 92pmol/L (38.3pg/ml)
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Dr Trevor Marshall
Foundation Staff
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Posted: Sat Feb 4th, 2006 04:40 |
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It is not as good as Benicar, but the two can be used together (interleaved) in 'an emergency.' Barb can help Doc figure out the Dosing, etc.
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Grace
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Sat Feb 4th, 2006 22:40 |
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All Aussies
I have had a reply from Bob McMullan Office.His contact details and info on his homepage
http://www.bobmcmullan.com/
He has asked his assistant Kim Fisher to prepare the case for him to take to parliament.He also said that this is a BIG case and should be address.
Kimberley Fischer
Electorate Officer
Bob McMullan MP
Member for Fraser
Ph: (02) 6247 4396 / 4037
Fax: (02) 6247 3457
I have spoken to Kim and she WANTS to hear from anyone else from any where in Australia about this.
You can use Bob's email attention to Kim Fisher regarding olmesartan/Olmetec.
The point I included were..............
......Part of this treatment requires a drug called olmesartan medixol-brand names olmetec
This is a common low risk drug developed for angiotensin a ARBs. There is NO suitable substitute for marshal protocol purposes and my doctor will not prescribe any other. This drug is unique in that no other ARBs will do. People have tried other ARBs with negative effect.
I have been forced to purchasing olmesartan from overseas costing me thousands af dollars.
Pfizer has the patent and I have had unproductive discussions with them.
The facts are as followed
1. Pfizer in early December has withdrawn from the PBS approval process. After the first meeting of three.
2 They won't sell it here on a private prescription.
3. Because they have the sole patent, no one else can sell it here.
4 It has been TGA approval, so you can't get it under the SAS scheme.
5. People have been forced to buy from overseas, they cannot get a medical rebate on their private medical insurance
on drugs purchase from overseas.
6. The cost ....... Many people want to go on MP [marshal protocol]
but can not afford it.
I and others want Pfizer to
1. Make olmetec available now on private prescription
2. To re-engage in the PBS process.
I presume Pfizer withdrew from the pbs process due to cost/price. The government must understand what this medical breakthrough means for the very sick, including the possibility to return to work and get off the disability pension. This drug is readily available overseas, for example it is on the UK's Medicare but the very country of DR T Marshal's birth and education hasn't got this drug available for sale.
I also believe there should been an amendment in the patent drug laws. It is not acceptable that a drug company can have the sole patent but not make it available in any form to the public eg private prescription and also prevents others from doing so at the detriment to the sick...........
Please all Aussies contact his office, put your case forward.
Thanks
Grace
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CFS, oct04 Ds=26/48, 4/07=7/24 MP PHI 2/05, PhII 6/05, PhIII 6/06, beni Q6H, Noirs rarely inside no nature light low watt, outside 40%10%, Hat, all covered, no gloves, paracetamol
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Moxie
Guests visiting Phase 1/2/3
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Posted: Sun Feb 5th, 2006 00:41 |
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Onya Grace!!
Will certainly add my sixpence worth to Bob.....
Moxie
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CFS 25 years - FMS. Benicar 3 daily - Ph 2 16/5/05 - Ph 3 10/5/06 Metformin 500mg 1/2 bd. Vit D 45nmol/L (18ng/ml) 1,25 D 92pmol/L (38.3pg/ml)
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Lantern
Guests visiting Phase 1/2/3
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Posted: Sun Feb 5th, 2006 01:26 |
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How wonderful that someone will hear our case! I am writing an email thismorning. Thanks Grace for making this important first step happen.
I will also contact my doctors and ask them to write to Bob McMullan - I think it would carry a lot of weight if they were to chip in, so I would encourage everyone to get their doctors to do the same. I will basically give my doctors a copy of Grace's post above, which covers all the basic points without taking too much of their time.
Here's hoping this gets rolling quickly!
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CFS IBS Malabsorption Hypothyroid Rickettsia. Ph1 Apr06, Mod.Ph2 Oct06, Ph2 Feb07, Ph3 Aug07. Endep T3/T4 Panadol. NoIRs, homebound in low lux. Apr07 1,25D=15.4, 25D=13.6
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PeterW
Member
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Posted: Sun Feb 5th, 2006 01:51 |
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My 2 cents worth on strategy (if it's welcome):- I think Grace's approach is good. It simply states people are getting benefit for a treatment and want the drug. It does not go into the ins and outs of the MP; that being a matter for the person and their medico.
If the senator does go to bat I presume it will be on that basis - people need access - treatment details are between them and their medico not for a beuracracy to decide. This will help prevent the initiative being hijacked on the usual dubious medical grounds (eg. that there are other arb's, that the treatment is not mainstream etc. etc.)
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Phase "research & diagnostics". Son with CFIDS 4 years. 25=12.2ng/ml. 1,25=42pg/ml. Ratio 3.4 Nephew - pulmonary Sarc.
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Dr Trevor Marshall
Foundation Staff
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Posted: Sun Feb 5th, 2006 02:15 |
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Peter - IMO you and Grace are absolutely correct. The Senator is not interested in your aches and pains, or your family history, simply that your Doctor says you are sick, he/she has nothing to help you, and that Doc (and you) have been denied trying the only ARB which is proving effective in GB, the USA and Europe, and which the FDA is reviewing for designation in Sarcoidosis (if that is your diagnosis).
Don't forget to make sure the Senator knows about our new paper, which shows definitively that all the ARBs are different in their actions, they are not substitutes for each other (somebody should mail his office a color printout of the PDF).
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DianeW
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Sun Feb 5th, 2006 02:16 |
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| Hi Grace, I have added my 5 cents worth and sent a copy to Tony Abbott. I have been in contact with Pfizer and the replies were very negative. Diane
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Sarcoidosis hypothryroid 125D52 Ph1 May06 Ph2 Aug06 Ph3 Apr07 25D 4.8 Dec07 / 6.8 Mar09 /
8.4 Sept 09 thyroxine paracetamol paradex Valium NoIRs cover up
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