Many children in Canada are prescribed medications that have not been tested and approved to be used by children. Health Canada asked an expert panel to examine prescription drug use in children. The panel found that children are being prescribed drugs that have not been approved for children, and that they may react to some medicine differently from adults. Although clinical trials for children are encouraged in the U.S. and EU, this isn’t always the case in Canada. Off label use of these medications may result in unknown side effects and potential health risks. Separate clinical trials for adults and children are necessary as children are not simply little adults. Studies can determine the safety and effectiveness of drugs in children, and find dosages that are appropriate for children.
You can read more about this story here and more about children’s participation in medical research here on one of our previous posts
