Montelukast’s serious side effects have been reported in the media for years, with families devastated. How many people have to share their horrifying stories before the TGA agrees to warn of the potential for them? Sign and share the petition to insist Australian consumers are adequately warned about the potential mental health side effects of this drug.
Australia (international media coverage is below this section)
Concerns raised over common asthma drug
SBS News, 17/1/2024
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/concerns-raised-over-common-asthma-drug/72m9vcllp
Montekulast use sparks suicide concerns
Chloe Hava, Australian Pharmacist, 24/1/2024
Concerns raised over common asthma drug
SBS News, 17/1/2024
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/concerns-raised-over-common-asthma-drug/72m9vcllp
Does montelukast need a warning label?
Dr Alisha Dorrigan, News GP, 15/1/2024
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/does-montelukast-need-a-warning-label
TGA Monitors Neuropsychiatric Risks in Children Using Asthma Drug Montelukast
Geeta Pillai, BNN Breaking, 15/1/2024
My five-year-old tried to kill himself after taking a popular asthma medication linked to depression and violent behaviour in Aussie children and toddlers
Charlotte Karp, Daily Mail Australia, 11/1/2024
Harrison attempted suicide when he was five. Why this asthma drug was linked
Angus Thomson and Aisha Dow, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10/1/2024
Merck accused of downplaying severe mental health effects of its children’s asthma drug Singulair which has been linked to dozens of SUICIDES — yet 9m Americans are prescribed it each year
Cassidy Morrison, Daily Mail Australia, 27/6/2023
Asthma medication warning needed to help keep kids safe
The Sydney Morning Herald, Jocelyn Suiter, 30 September 2021
Mum of teen who took her own life calls for stronger warnings on asthma drug
Channel 9 News, Emily McPherson, 14 March 2020
Parents demand warning labels on popular asthma medication Singulair
7 News, 21 November 2019
A warning over asthma medication, linked to psychotic episodes in children
Today Tonight, 9 October 2019
Singulair and Montelukast asthma medication, linked to psychotic episodes in children, to be sold with warnings
ABC News, Sophie Scott and Meredith Griffiths, 13 July 2018
TGA calls on drug company to add warnings over children’s asthma drug
Channel 9 News, Emily McPherson, 13 July 2018
Interview between Nadia Mitsopoulos and Vanessa Sellick – Outcomes of Minister Hunt’s Urgent Review of Montelukast (Singulair)
ABC Radio Focus, 13 July 2018
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1820968627988828
Popular asthma drug linked to death in Australia
Channel 9 News, Emily McPherson, 3 July 2018
‘It’s making changes in children’s brains’: Parents warn of long-term effects of popular asthma drug Singulair
Channel 9 News, Emily McPherson, 27 February 2018
Queensland woman who tried to take her life while on asthma drug speaks out
Channel 9 News, Emily McPherson, 21 February 2018
‘We feared for our daughter’s life’: NSW doctor joins calls for asthma drug warning
Channel 9 News, Emily McPherson, 14 February 2018
‘There’s no doubt in my mind the asthma medication triggered her spiral’
News.com.au, Leesa Smith, 13 February 2018
Mum of teen who took her own life while on popular asthma drug warns others
Channel 9 News, Emily McPherson, 12 February 2018
Asthma Drug Dangers
Weekend Sunrise, 26 February 2017
A simple label on medication could protect our children
The Herald-Sun, Jocelyn Suiter, 4 January 2017
Parents demand asthma medication Singulair to carry warning labels about suicidal thoughts and other side effects
The Sydney Morning Herald, Esther Han, 28 September 2016
Singulair: Doctors, pharmacists, regulators shift blame over asthma drug side effects warning
ABC News, Meredith Griffiths, 12 September 2016
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-12/singulair-montelukast-side-effect-warning-dispute/7833068
Beware Singulair Side Effects Mood Swings and Tantrums
Happy Kids Vids, 10 September 2016
Asthma drug side effects: More stories emerge about children taking Singulair
ABC News, Sophie Scott and Meredith Griffiths, 6 September 2016
“Parents are right to be worried about this asthma medication. It made me psychotic 13 years ago.”
Mamamia, Michelle Andrews, 6 September 2016
https://www.mamamia.com.au/singulair-personal-story/
Singulair, Montelukast: Asthma medication linked to serious psychotic episodes in children
7.30, Sophie Scott and Meredith Griffiths, 5 September 2016
Asthma tablets linked to depression and suicidal thoughts in children as young as FOUR
Daily Mail Australia, Ashleigh Davis, 5 September 2016
International
Winter winds and allergy woes: Is Montelukast the right choice for you?
Sunit Jha, The South First, 2/11/2024
Caution amidst comfort: The hidden risks of Montelukast
Dr Bhaumik J Kamdar, Times of India, 22/9/2024
Montelukast: overused and dangerous
Lancelot Pinto,Sanjitha Muneeswaran, The Hindu, 11/9/2024
Montelukast (Singulair) Psychiatric Concerns Update
Dr Sermed Mezher, June 2024
Urgent Warnings for Common Allergy and Asthma Drug Escalate
Sheramy Tsai, Epoch Health, 23/5/2024
What to know about Singulair® and its effects on mental health
Nebraska Medicine, 21/5/2024
Singulair Asthma Drug Label To Be Updated With More Prominent Warnings About Sleep Disorders, Aggression and Depression in U.K.
Grace Muller, About Lawsuits, 10/5/2024
https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/singulair-asthma-drug-label-updated-in-u-k/
Asthma drug warning stepped up after 500 children react
Juta Medical Brief, 8/5/2024
https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/asthma-drug-warning-stepped-up-after-500-children-react/
Montelukast: UK regulator says asthma drug needs clearer warnings of side effects
Gareth Iacobucci, British Medical Journal News, 8/5/2024
https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj.q1048.full
Warning over asthma drug after 500 neuropsychiatric reactions reported in young children
Jon Ungoed-Thomas, The Guardian, 4/5/2024
Risk of neuropsychiatric reactions with montelukast reinforced in drug safety update
Helena Beer, Hospital Healthcare Europe, 3/5/2024
New safety warnings for Singulair
Ailsa Colquhoun, Dispensing Doctors’ Association, 1/5/2024
https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/news/new-safety-warnings-for-singulair/
Montelukast will carry ‘more prominent warnings’ of neuropsychiatric reactions
David Lipanovic, The Pharmaceutical Journal, 1/5/2024
Outcome of MHRA review of neuropsychiatric reactions with montelukast
Press release, UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, 29/4/2024
DRUG DANGER: Dad shares the ‘absolute horror’ at finding his son, 14, dead after ‘asthma drug triggered hallucinations’
Joe Davies, The US Sun, 21/4/2024
https://www.the-sun.com/health/11150556/motelukast-asthma-drug-mental-health-side-effects/
FDA ‘black box warning’ issued, 31 million Americans still prescribed high risk drug
Mckenzie Richmond, KTUL, 13/4/2024
Research sheds light on effectiveness of FDA’s black box warning for asthma drug
University of Oklahoma, 5/4/2024
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-04-effectiveness-fda-black-asthma-drug.html
FDA issues a warning over mental health risks of asthma medication
Linda Conrad, Enquirer 360, 2/4/2024
https://enquirer360.com/2024/04/02/fda-issues-a-warning-over-mental-health-risks-of-asthma-medication/
A suicide attempt at 6 years old
Actual News Magazine, 31/3/2024
It hit me very quickly
Alice Girard-Bosse, The Press, 31/3/2024
Asthma drug Singulair linked to severe mental health risks
Guy Guthrie, Consumer Affairs, 26/3/2024
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/asthma-drug-singulair-linked-to-severe-mental-health-risks-032624.html
Asthma drug under ‘review’ after surge in psychiatric incidents
Kate Bowie, Chemist and Druggist, 7/3/2024
Montelukast: Regulator reviewing asthma drug over concerns about mental health effects
Elisabeth Mahase, British Medical Journal, 5/3/2024
https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj.q563.full
MHRA reviewing safety of asthma drug as Yellow Card reports increase
David Lipanovic, The Pharmaceutical journal, 5/3/2024
‘A healthy kid dies and there has been no change’: parents’ anger over lack of warnings for blockbuster asthma drug
Jon Ungoed-Thomas, The Guardian, 3/3/2024
Safety fears over asthma drug after young children suffer severe side effects
Jon Ungoed-Thomas, The Guardian, 3/3/2024
Asthma drug montelukast under review after children suffer severe side effects
Paul Gallagher, iNews, 3/3/2024
https://inews.co.uk/news/health/asthma-drug-montelukast-review-severe-side-effects-2937728
Tragic Loss Spurs Call for Stronger Montelukast Warnings Amid UK Review
Dil Bar Irshad, BNN Breaking, 3/3/2024
Should Prescribers Discuss FDA’s Drug Warnings?
Joe Graedon, The People’s Pharmacy, 27/2/2024
https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/should-prescribers-discuss-fdas-drug-warnings
Attorney General James Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Children from Harmful Effects of Asthma and Allergy Drug Singulair
Press Release, Letitia James, New York State Attorney-General, 22/2/2024
Media coverage of New York State Attorney-General Letitia James’ call for action on Singulair/Montelukast
https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/ny-warnings-sigulair-pediatric-suicide-risks/
https://www.pharmexec.com/view/ny-ag-fda-safety-labeling-singulair
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/singulair-children-side-effects-fda/
https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2024/02/22/whats-news-breaking-thursday-february-22-2024
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/health/singulair-asthma-suicide-children.html
Can a Common Asthma Medication Affect Mental Health?
Heather Logue, Right as Rain, by UW Medicine, 22/2/2024
https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/asthma-drugs-and-mental-health
FDA downplayed serious possibe side effects of popular asthma drug
Press play with Madeleine Brand, guest Christina Jewett, health reporter from New York Times, 22/1/2024
Feds need to make sure doctors get the word about drug risks
Chicago Sun Times Editorial Board, 20/1/2024
Assessing the Mental Health Impacts of Montelukast: A Closer Look at the Allergy and Asthma Drug Singulair
Ethan Sullivan, Medriva, 19/1/2024
Popular asthma medication Singulair linked to serious mental health concerns for adults and children
Caitlin Beale, Yahoo, 19/1/2024
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/popular-asthma-medication-singulair-linked-121000382.html
Asthma Drug Still Being Prescribed to Kids Despite Potential Mental Health Risks
Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 19/1/2024
Singulair’s Boxed Warning Went Ignored. How Do You Know If Your Medications Are Safe?
Korin Miller, verywell health 17/1/2024
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-can-you-be-more-vigilant-about-your-medications-8427024
FDA inaction despite asthma drug link to suicide
Juta Medical Brief 17/1/2024
Boy, 5, tried to kill himself after taking asthma medication linked to depression and ‘red-eyed demon’ hallucinations
Joe Davies, The Sun, 12/1/2024
https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/25331789/montelukast-singulair-asthma-drug-boy-suicide-attempt/
Singulair Black Box Warning Did Little to Alert Patients to Potential Side Effects
Respiratory Therapy, 12/1/2024
Doctors advise caution, watchfulness for Singulair side effects
Julia Maruca, Trib Live, 12/1/2024
https://triblive.com/news/health-now/doctors-advise-caution-watchfulness-for-singulair-side-effects/
Concerned about asthma drug’s side effects? Ask a doctor.
UW Medicine Newsroom, 12/1/2024
https://newsroom.uw.edu/blog/concerned-about-asthma-drugs-side-effects-ask-a-doctor
Childhood asthma drug linked to dozens of suicides and frightening hallucinations of ‘red-eyed demons’ is STILL being prescribed to 12m Americans each year – despite FDA warning in 2020
Luke Andrews, Daily Mail, 11/1/2024
Despite warnings, millions still use asthma meds linked to suicides
WPTV, 10/1/2024
https://www.wptv.com/despite-warnings-millions-still-use-asthma-meds-linked-to-suicides
Asthma drug FDA warned about given to millions in 2022: Report
Tyler Wornall, News Nation, 10/1/2024
https://www.newsnationnow.com/health/singulair-asthma-drug-fda-warning-prescriptions
Commonly prescribed asthma drug, Singulair, linked to mental side effects
Brooke Steinberg, New York Post, 10/1/2024
Wide Prescription of Singulair Continues Despite FDA Warning and Reported Side Effects
Rizwan Shah, BNN Breaking, 9/1/2024
The F.D.A. Warned an Asthma Drug Could Induce Despair. Many Were Never Told.
Christina Jewett and Benjamin Mueller, New York Times, 9/1/2024
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/09/health/fda-singulair-asthma-drug-warning.html
Warning: Montelukast Use in RSV Cases Linked to Mental Health Symptoms, Must Be Limited
News Directory 3 (Thailand), 29/10/2023
Singulair Linked to Suicide: What Merck Hid from You
Lindsey Elmore, 21 September 2023
A son died, his parents tried to sue. How U.S. courts protect Big Pharma
Dan Levine, Robin Respaut, Kristina Cooke, Mike Spector, Benjamin Lesser, Reuters, 26 June 2023
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-lawsuits-merck-singulair/
Merck accused of downplaying early evidence of drug’s brain impact
Robin Respaut, Dan Levine, Reuters, 26 June 2023
Dear Doctor, should I heed Singulair depression warnings?
SI live, Jun. 09, 2023
https://www.silive.com/advice/2023/06/dear-doctor-should-i-heed-singulair-depression-warnings.html
That asthma pill could be behind your mood swings
Anuja Jaiswal, Times of India, May 17, 2023
Asthma medication and suicidal ideation
Medical News Today, 9 May 2023
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/asthma-medication-suicidal-ideation
Doctor warns against risks of long term use of Montelukast; here are the details
Times of India, 11 April 2023
Chris and Ashley’s story: montelukast, child suicide
Making Lemonade with Whit and Kels podcast, March 15, 2023
https://www.makinglemonadewithwhitkels.com/episodes/depadfi5tdxm1445fu2we71p8ktv7d
Asthma Medication and Suicidal Thoughts: Understanding the FDA’s Warning for Singulair
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Dorian Smith-Garcia, Jan 13, 2023
https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/asthma-medication-suicidal-thoughts
Taking Too Many Drugs? You May Be in a ‘Prescription Cascade’
Emma Yasinski, November 28, 2022
https://medshadow.org/taking-too-many-drugs-you-may-be-in-a-prescription-cascade/
Montelukast (Singulair) and Mental Health Warnings
Written by Juhi Modi, Medically reviewed by HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, Pharm.D. | Jul 26, 2022
https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/montelukast-singulair-and-mental-health-warnings
FDA limits drugs containing montelukast
Taipei Times, 8 December 2021
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/12/08/2003769221
Drugmaker not required to study long-term mental health impact
Arizona’s Family, 4 November 2021
As the Number of Singulair Lawsuits Increase, NJ Considers Multicounty Litigation
New York Injury Law News, October 11, 2021
Common asthma medicine has more side effects than thought
The Brussels Times, Alan Hope, 12 July 2021
https://www.brusselstimes.com/177114/common-asthma-medicine-has-more-side-effects-than-thought
Case: Hallucination & Rashes. Singulair Withdrawal Syndrome. 11 yr old.
Jacelyn Tay, March 28 2021
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1869434543245902
Popular asthma medication that has significant mental health side effects
Healthy Living Resources, 20 February 2021
Singulair’s dangerous side effects: allergy medicine can cause depression and suicides
News 4, 8 February 2021
Valley family shares concerns about allergy medication ‘Singulair’
ABC15 Arizona, 6 February 2021
Popular Asthma Medicine Linked to Severe Mental Health Side Effects
NBC Miami, Alyssa Hyman, 29 October 2020
HSA reviews asthma drug Singulair over neuropsychiatric episodes, as parents of affected children call for warnings
Today Online, Daryl Choo and Tessa Oh, 28 September 2020
FDA puts ‘black box’ warning on popular asthma medication; teens speak out about side effects
News Nation, Brian Entin, 8 September 2020
Oklahoma mother speaks out about the side effects of common asthma medicine
Fox 23 Investigation, 6 May 2020
Nightmares, hallucinations, depression: side effects of asthma drug prescribed to children for minor coughs and hay fever
South China Morning Post, Kylie Knott, 29 March 2020
Black box warning to be added to popular asthma/allergy medicine
KVUEabc, 11 March 2020
Singulair warning upgraded
On call with Dr Howard Smith, 11 March 2020
FDA issues boxing warning for Singulair
Fox 24, 7 March 2020
Popular asthma medicine will have “black box” warning
Local Memphis, 5 March 2020
Life-saver or life-taker?
Take a break magazine, UK, September 2019
Montelukast withdrawal syndrome
Laura Marotta, Rxisk, 24 June 2019
rxisk./montelukast-withdrawal-syndrome/
Why did health chiefs clear the asthma drug that can make children suicidal? MoS investigation reveals yet more evidence of pill’s sinister side-effects
Mail on Sunday, Stephen Adams and Jo Willey, 2 June 2019
Asthma drug drove my son to kill himself: Rugby-playing law student, 21, took his own life after suffering from anxiety and nightmares, his mother says
Mail on Sunday, Stephen Adams, 2 June 2019
Former GP reveals how she tried to kill herself four days after taking controversial asthma drug that sent her ‘loopy-loo’
Daily Mail Australia, Stephen Adams, 26 May 2019
Parents demand that prominent warnings are added to a powerful asthma drug that can trigger suicidal thoughts and night terrors in children
The Mail on Sunday, Stephen Adams and Laurence Laluyaux, 19 May 2019
Mums call for greater awareness of asthma drug side effects after children suffer night terrors and becoming aggressive
South Wales Argus, 17th May 2019
Children are being left suicidal and aggressive and suffering appalling nightmares by a pill designed to reduce asthma attacks, doctors warn
The Mail on Sunday, Stephen Adams and Laurence Laluyaux, 12 May 2019
Side Effects of Montelukast (generic of Singulair)
Larry Marotta, 11 April 2018
Daytona Fit Mum, 25 March 2017
Raising a Child with Asthma; My Journey of Learning
Singulair and your child
Fox 5 Investigates, 15 May 2013
Parents Fear Singulair is a Prescription For disaster
19 Action News, 7 October 2008
Families Say Merck’s Singulair Changed Their Kids
iTeam, 26 September 2008
Healthbeat – Singulair Study
KOAT, 2 May 2008
A life blown to pieces by Singulair
Lawyers and Settlements.com, 18 April 2008
https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/legal-news/singulair/singulair-depressed-anxious-10453.html
Suicide Linked To Singulair?
CBS, 28 March 2008