Vigilance Sante are the vendors that make the paperwork that goes home with patients for pharmaceutical drugs from Shoppers and many other pharmacies in Canada. As mentioned the paperwork Madisyn took home from Shoppers did not contain a warning for suicidal ideation. I emailed Vigilance Sante to ask why they don’t just direct patients to the free drug monographs from Health Canada that have all the information? Here’s their answer

“This document contains useful information for those taking this medication. It is not intended, in any way, to replace the advice of a trained health professional. For more information, consult the manufacturer's literature, where you will find additional information about uncommon side effects as well as contraindications associated with this product. 

The sheet is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and side effects should be part of the conversation between the health care professional and the patient during counselling, in order to contextualize and individualize the information. “

A few issues, there are so many manufacturers. I had to ask the pharmacist which one. The manufacturer is not listed on the paperwork. How would anyone know which manufacturer? Sanis made the pregabalin Madisyn took. Also, after Madi died and I called the pharmacist he told me that Lyrica/ pregabalin does not cause suicidal ideation. I told him to look again. He said “OMG, it does”. Sometimes even the professionals don’t know.  

We can’t know everything in our society. This is why we rely on educating and training professional’s so they can represent the information to us. In my opinion there is no need for the pharmacies to hire vendors to create the paperwork that goes home with patients. It’s deceptive because people feel that paperwork is giving them all the information.

Why don’t pharmacies just direct patients  to the free Health Canada Monographs that contain all the information? Vendors in my opinion are for one reason confusion and deception. If everyone had all the information less people would take the drugs and that means less profit. 

I emailed and asked Shoppers why they hire vendors and not just use/direct people the free monographs from Health Canada? We’ll wait for their answer. 

Thank you all for supporting Madi’s Law! I appreciate all the comments. We’re gathering information and learning together. The awareness is increasing. Much love to all of you! We can do this! Please continue to sign and share.