The Guinea Pig Soldiers: W5
Catalogue Number: CTV801
Producer: CTV
Producing Agencies: CTV
Subject: Canadian Politics, Canadian Social Issues, Consumer Studies, Criminal Justice & Law, Current Events, Documentary, Guidance, Health and Medicine, Psychology, Social Issues, Social Sciences, Sociology
Language: English
Grade Level: Post Secondary, Adult
Country Of Origin: Canada
Copyright Year: 2019
Running Time: 22:00
Avery Haines meets some of the veterans taking legal action against the government over the alleged side effects of a military-issued drug.
The allegations: That soldiers in Somalia, Rwanda and Afghanistan were left with serious and long-lasting side effects from the anti-malaria drug they were forced to take.
Mefloquine, sold under the brand name Lariam, was considered cheaper and more efficient because it only needed to be taken once a week, instead of daily. But the soldiers allege they were never told that the drug would leave them struggling, years later, with intense rage, memory issues, ringing in the ears, violent night terrors and suicidal ideation.
W5 speaks with Mike Rude, one of the many soldiers who is experiencing the alleged side effects caused by an anti-malaria drug.
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