The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "side-effects" ...
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A rampant prescription, a hidden peril
The series investigated nursing homes’ use of antipsychotic medications on the elderly, a practice the US Food and Drug and Administration has long warned against because of potentially fatal side effects in people with dementia. The Boston Globe analyzed data from 15,600 nursing homes nationwide and found that about 185,000 residents received antipsychotics in 2010 alone, despite not having a medical condition that warranted such use. The series also revealed that Massachusetts nursing homes commonly use antipsychotics to control agitation and combative behavior in elderly residents who should not be receiving the powerful sedatives, yet state regulators seldom use their authority to reprimand or penalize facilities for this practice.
Tags: Antipsychotics; FDA; nursing homes; Alzheimer's disease
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Side Effects
"This series began in 2009 after learning that doctors at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine had been receiving payments from drug and medical device companies. It has grown into a much broader and deeper look at the pervasive influence of money in medicine."
Tags: FDA; Medtronic; medical research
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Bad for America. Good for East Africa
The story traces a toxic chemical from its origin in the U.S. to the end users, mostly farmers in East Africa. It examines the chemical's side effects on the environment and wildlife in East Africa.
Tags: East Africa; environment; toxic; chemical; waste; farmers
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Side Effects
The author examines the conflicts of interest within the medical community and the influence of pharmaceutical companies on doctors and researchers. The series shows the dangerous consequences that come when drug companies pay doctors and researchers to endorse their products. An inquiry by a U.S. Senate committee, as well as policy reform at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health were results of this investigation.
Tags: pharmaceutical companies; drug companies; medicine; conflict of interest; doctors
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Untested in Battle
“New military medical technologies were often rushed into use in Iraq with little oversight and little evidence of their effectiveness”. Many of these were discarded by doctors after learning of their deadly side effects. Additionally, many of these same technologies were banned by the military after the discovery of the problems involved with these technologies.
Tags: US Army; medical care; war zone; battle; injury; combat; troops; medics; clinical; innovations
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Side Effects
Side Effects tells the story of a court case and the personal story that surrounded the making and unmasking of a bestselling drug, Paxil. "It chronicles the lives of two women - a prosecutor and a whistleblower - who exposes the pattern of deception in the research and marketing of Paxil, an antidepressant prescribed to millions of children and adults."
Tags: Paxil; FDA; side-effects; GlaxoSmithKline; drug regulators; drug regulation; depression in children; clinical trials; misappropriation;
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Brian Ross Investigates: Disposable Heroes
In a joint investigation with The Washington Times, ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross revealed that mentally distressed veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan were being recruited by the Veterans Administration for tests on pharmaceutical drugs linked to suicide and other violent side effects.
Tags: Chantix; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; suicide; veterans; drug protocols; Pfizer; pharmaceutical drugs; violent side effects
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Debtors' Hell
Examining a "system stacked in favor of collectors," the Globe discusses the side effects of the increase in consumer debt in Massachusetts and the nation. Among the findings is that "the legal system has been overwhelmed by collectors pursuing debtors through all manner of hard-edged tactics."
Tags: Debt; debt collection; consumer debt; unlicensed collectors; debt lawsuits
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Ketek
Dr. David Ross, who reviewed the safety of an antibiotic called Ketek for the Food and Drug Administration, tells the CBS Evening News that he warned them the drug was a "timebomb". Yet, the concerns were kept quiet, and the drug was approved, enjoying sales of $193 million worth in 2005. The drug's list of side effects, including possible liver problems, have been added to continuously since 2004. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) is conducting an investigation into the situation, and there is another congressional investigation of the drug and "possible misappropriation of CIA funding."
Tags: Ketek; antibiotics; side effects; Food and Drug Administration
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Prescription for Trouble: Common drugs, hidden dangers. Tens of millions of people at risk.
This article investigated twelve common types of prescription drugs that are linked to serious risks, including heart attacks, cancer, strokes and suicide. The risks were undetected or underestimated when the drugs were initially approved for use. Many of the drugs are still not properly disclosing the risks in advertisements. The article uncovers widespread problems in the drug safety system and proposes needed reform.
Tags: medicine; drugs; FDA; health; drug companies; FOIA; side-effects; Food and Drug Administration; pharmaceuticals