Pernicious Anaemia Society

“We Want a Vitamin, Not Anti-Depressants”

DATE:20/10/09
TIME:11.am
EMBARGOED UNTIL:11.am 20/10/2009
DOWNLOAD PDF:20091020-01.pdf

The Chairman of the Pernicious Anaemia Society has criticised doctors who will not sanction more frequent injections of a harmless vitamin when asked by patients.
“By far the most common cause of complaint by our members relates to the frequency of the injections of Vitamin B12 that patients suffering from Pernicious Anaemia need in order to live.

“When our members ask for more frequent injections they are regularly offered anti-depressants.  This is because the overall level of Vitamin B12 in the patient’s blood will be over the normal limit threshold.  But recent research has shown that there are two types of B12 in blood – active and passive.  If the patient has a high percentage of passive B12 then he or she will still be deficient and consequently suffer from the symptoms of B12 Deficiency” explains the Chairman of the society, Martyn Hooper.

Many members of the society have been prescribed anti-depressants for many years before sourcing an alternative supply of B12 injections which is only available on prescription in the U.K. but is readily available on the internet and over the counter in continental Europe.

“Many of our members buy injections and self inject without the knowledge or consent of their doctor.  And many of them have been labelled recreational drug users when in fact they need the injections to live a more or less normal life” says Martyn.

The week of 26th – 30th October, 2009 has been designated Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency week.  This culminates with the society hosting a Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons on the 28th October at 9 a.m.

An Early Day Motion has been tabled by Doug Naysmith M.P. that calls for a full Review of the Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in order to stop the unnecessary suffering among patients with Pernicious Anaemia.