Jump to full article: Army Times, 2008-06-18
Author: Rick Maze - Staff writer
Intro: Although the Department of Veterans Affairs says it has done nothing wrong, key lawmakers are demanding an investigation of a research program that involves giving a potentially dangerous prescription medication to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who are trying to quit smoking.
The Washington Times and ABC News say the VA is using a drug in its research that has dangerous side effects -- such as mental health problems and the risk of suicide -- and is paying a stipend to encourage use of the drug as part of a research program.
In a statement, VA officials said the news reports were "inaccurate and misleading."
A key point, they said, is that nobody was tricked into anything. Everyone taking part in research on stopping smoking is a volunteer who is closely monitored, VA officials said. And VA said the drug they were using, Varenicline, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a medication for smoking cessation.
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