ridecamp@endurance.net: Premarin Update

Premarin Update

redwing2@ix.netcom.com
Fri, 29 Aug 1997 11:19:34 -0500 (CDT)

Dear Ridecamp friends,
Thank you for your positive and supportive replies to my somewhat intrusive article on Premarin. Many of you had questions which I will try to answer.
1. Although the data I gave you was from 1994, Redwings went to the sales in September of last year (1996). So the industry is alive and well. We also recent received new information as to the direction and growth of the PMU industry. Currently there are in excess of 500 PMU farms producing up to 75,000 foals a year (a dramatic increase from the 1994 data). There are 1000 farms waiting to begin production to increase the foal total each year to 200,000 to 250,000. A few of these foals will go to performance sales, but the rest will go to slaughter. A recent report on the Bouvery slaughterhouse in Ft McLeod, Alta..where a majority of the foals go, said that the foals stand in the kill chutes, shaking and peeing on themselves as they watch the foal in front of them killed. Draft foals who do not fit in the kill box are lead onto the kill floor where they must pass bodies of other foals hanging by their back legs. As a horseperson, I must say that having to face these rea!
lities is painful.
2. The drug company behind this industry is Wyeth-Ayerst who stands to lose billions of dollars each year if (1) women chose another drug or (2) a synthetic premarin is developed. Interestingly, another drug company has developed a replacement drug and one that is cheaper and therefore accessible to more women. But Wyeth-Ayerst has been able to get the FDA to block its approval. WA has also been able to get Premarin in as the only drug to be used in the National Womens Health Study going on. Of course, they are also the ones that funded the studies feasability report and initial research. Gee, do you think there is a connection here?
3. We are going to try and get the photo's up on our web site soon. www.redwings.org
4. If you want to help end this horrible practice we suggest the following:
* Call, email etc...your representatives in Washington to pressure the FDA to get the synthetic Premarin approved
* Contact Dr Loretta Finnegan, Director of the Women's Health Initiative, 7550 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20892 and voice your objection to the use of Premarin.
4. Also contact Dr. Donna Shalala, Secretary Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Ave S.W., Washington D.C. 20201
5. Boycott other products connected to WA which is a division of American Home Products, producers of Advil, Anacin, Black Flag, Chef Boyardee, Dristan, Easy Off, Pop, Neet, Pam Preparation H, Quick and Easy, Sani-Flush and Woolite.
6. Pass this information onto you women friends
7. Educate your doctors
8. Host a local conference on this issue of Premarin and alternative drugs.
For the Horses
Barbara Clarke
Redwings

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