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Local resident who testified to U.S. Senate warns Rockaway council about generic drug quality
Summary
Lisa Salberg, introduced as founder and CEO of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, addressed the council about generic drug quality, citing testing results she said showed 71.8% of generics as 'green' while ~15% were 'red' or 'yellow'; she urged the FDA for greater transparency and invited residents to a webinar.
Lisa Salberg, introduced by a council member as founder and CEO of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, used her three minutes of public comment to present at length on generic drug quality and patient safety.
Salberg told the council she had testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Aging and recounted research and whistleblower findings alleging quality problems in some generic drugs. She cited data she attributed to Department of Defense market sweeps and independent lab testing, summarizing results in a color-coded scheme she described as roughly 71.8% "green," about 15% "yellow" and about 15% "red," and warned of contaminants or dissolution-rate differences that can affect therapeutic dosing. She urged residents to note manufacturers on pill labels, consult pharmacists if a product seems different, and asked the FDA to be clearer about generic-drug equivalency and lot testing.
Salberg provided resources and invited the public to a longer webinar and referenced published reporting and whistleblower accounts by name. She emphasized that patients taking critical medications (for example, transplant recipients) should remain vigilant about medication changes and consult providers if they experience adverse effects.
The council did not take action on the topic; Salberg’s remarks were recorded as public comment and she offered a follow-up webinar and links for further information.
What happens next: no municipal action was taken; Salberg encouraged residents to attend her webinar and to ask pharmacists about manufacturers if they suspect substitutions.
