P.M. BRIEFING : FDA Orders Halcion Safety Review
WASHINGTON — Reports of bizarre side effects--including a fatal shooting, hallucinations and amnesia--have triggered a Food and Drug administration safety review of the world’s best-selling sleeping pill.
The drug is Halcion, made by Upjohn Co. of Kalamazoo, Mich. A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee will meet Friday to consider whether doctors and patients should be advised to limit its use, FDA officials said.
Officials said the special review by the drug safety agency was scheduled because of the high rate of side effects reported by Halcion users compared to other, similar medications.
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