J-Drugs

To the Editor.—  The keen observation by Dr Smith¹ that American pharmaceutical companies have avoided the letter J as the first letter of a drug name is both fascinating and perplexing. As a Canadian viewing the situation, I see only two options available to my colleagues in the United States.One solution is the formation of a congressional subcommittee with a mandate to investigate the etiology of "J discrimination."The second solution is far more beneficial to both our countries. A quick perusal of the 1988 Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties reveals two brand names beginning with the letter J: Jay Max 500, a vitamin B complex with ascorbic acid, and Jectofer, injectable iron sorbitol.America needs drug names that begin with the letter J. Canada needs a warmer climate. In the spirit of the forthcoming Free Trade Agreement between our two nations, I propose swapping our Canadian pharmaceuticals