Slater and Gordon's military experts specialise in claiming compensation for armed forces personnel who've become ill due to Lariam, also known as Mefloquine, being prescribed in the military.
Lariam is a trade name for the drug ‘Mefloquine’ and is used to treat malaria, a potentially life-threatening disease carried by mosquitoes. It first became available in the UK in 1989 and was prescribed for many years to thousands of British troops as a preventative measure while they were operating overseas in areas with malaria.
In the years Lariam was in common use in the military, there were numerous cases of troops experiencing severe side-effects, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, hallucinations and seizures.
Following the Defence Committee report in 2016, the Government ended its use of Lariam (Mefloquine) in the military, other than for exceptional cases.
What are the side-effects of Lariam?
For many years there had been reports of users experiencing adverse neuropsychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, depression, suicidal ideation, nightmares and seizures which led to regulatory intervention. Other side-effects may be milder, though can still cause considerable harm. These include (but are not limited to):
Headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea
Light headedness and a loss of balance
Shortness of breath
Problems with vision, including blurred or tunnel vision, or loss of sight
Why could being prescribed Lariam be considered negligent?
As with any drug, prescriptions need to be appropriate, given an individual’s medical history. For example, to minimise the risk of adverse reactions, Lariam (mefloquine) should not be prescribed to those with active or historical psychiatric disorders, according to research from the Division of Psychiatry at UCL in London.
There are drugs that have been available for many years which are much safer alternatives, so the fact that the MoD chose to continue prescribing Lariam is a concern.
In 2020 there was a significant breakthrough in securing an admission of breach of duty by MoD. It was admitted that there were numerous failures to risk assess and warn of the possible side effects of the drug.
Slater and Gordon are specialists in military injury claims and have a long-standing connection with the armed forces community. We're uniquely placed to understand the challenges of military life.
Military team leader, Natasha Orr explains military injury claims and how Slater and Gordon can help navigate these claims.
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What would lead to a compensation claim for being prescribed Lariam?
If you or a loved one have been prescribed Lariam, were not warned of the dangerous side effects and have since suffered from neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, hallucinations or seizures, you may have the right to seek compensation.
To start a claim, get in touch with one of our expert military solicitors on 0330 041 5869 or arrange a call back at a time that suits you online. We’ll guide you through the entire legal process, including gathering all the relevant documentation and evidence you may need, and work closely with you to ensure you receive the compensation, rehabilitation and treatment you need to move forward.
Why choose Slater and Gordon?
These cases are complex. Much consideration needs to be made as to the timing of the prescription, what alternative anti-malarial drugs were available, whether those have been chosen instead, and whether the alleged physical and psychiatric injuries are likely to have been caused by Lariam.
Given the complex nature of these cases, anyone considering bringing a claim should seek specialist legal advice from experts in military claims. Slater and Gordon’s military team specialise in all types of claims against the Ministry of Defence, including Lariam compensation claims.
We have many years' experiences representing military personnel from the Army, Navy, RAF, Special Forces, both Regular and in the Reserves.
All of our cases are funded by a No Win No Fee agreement meaning if you don't win your case, you won't have to pay anything so there's no financial risk.
If you or a loved one have suffered from psychiatric injuries due to being prescribed Lariam whilst in the military, talk to one of our experienced and understanding military solicitors today.
Lariam can still be prescribed in the UK, though in 2017, the UK Ministry of Defence ruled that they would no longer prescribe the drug to military personnel as standard. Instead, the drug would only be used in rare circumstances, for instance if alternative drugs were not an option for a particular individual.
How do I find out if I’ve been prescribed Lariam in the Armed Forces?
If you are or have been a member of the Armed Forces and have received anti-malaria drugs, you may not be aware of which drug you were given. If this is the case, you should request a copy of your military medical records to determine which drug you were prescribed. If you are currently serving, you should be able to request these from the senior medical officer. If you are a military veteran or a reservist, speak to your NHS GP and ask them to obtain your records on your behalf.
We are also able to request and obtain your medical records on your behalf. It’s important to note that Lariam was only prescribed when visiting certain countries and so we will need further information from you about all the places you have been sent to during the course of your military career.
Where has Lariam (Mefloquine) been banned for use?
It has been banned by the military in several countries or is only to be used as a last resort. Countries that have banned the use of Lariam include:
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