The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source: Fox News
Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:30 PM
Indiana Family Says Tamiflu To Blame For Son Committing Suicide
Charlie Harp’s loved ones say he was thriving in his classes and excited about his involvement on the wrestling team. They say they believe the extreme decision to commit suicide may have been caused by severe side effects from the medicine he was taking for the flu.
“He’s an amazing child full of life, happy all the time; you just never see him without a smile on his face,” said Jackie Ray, Charlie’s aunt and guardian.
The 16-year-old boy was diagnosed with the flu last Thursday, and like many flu patients, he was prescribed Tamiflu.
"We started it right in the car, get it in him and get him started,” said Ray.
Less than 24 hours later, Ray said she texted the teen but did not get a response.
“I knew something was wrong. My husband came home and found him in the house,” said Ray.
Ray’s husband, Brad, discovered Harp had committed suicide in the garage.
“Just thinking the whole way here what’s different?” Brad Ray wondered. “He’s been the same. What did we do differently? And it clicked, he just started new medicine.”
The couple told FOX59 the teen had never expressed suicidal thoughts before and had no signs of depression. The only change, they say, had been he started taking Tamiflu.
The Tamilfu warning label clearly states pediatric patients may be at an increased risk of confusion or abnormal behavior. The Rays say they weren’t properly warned about what that could mean.
“He had a total of two doses,” said Jackie Ray. “Two doses and this is where we are.”
As family awaits answers, the couple says they’re finding strength in the outpouring of support from the community and hope to spread the word so other families are aware of the possible side effects from the medicine.
“The thought of someone else not knowing and give it to their children, I can’t bear that,” said Jackie Ray.