Medical “breakthrough’s” come at a price, sometimes a hefty one. Somebody’s got to be the “guinea pig” for the rest of society, trying out the “answer” to make sure it works….but at what price? I’ve often wondered if those commercials that rattle off all the “potential” side effects are for real or are they just being over presumptuous? “May cause…..may experience…..and call your doctor right away” is enough to make me say absolutely not! The warnings are becoming so familiar that I have to believe we just don’t pay attention to them while risking the unknown. Unfortunately, the poor souls who experience those latter effects are often led to believe it was the “lesser of two evils” they were facing and accepted the risk as part of the healing.
So how far would you go in trying a new drug (or a drug that’s new to you), with all its disclaimers, in order to get well? Do we really know if the drug being prescribed has made it past all the presumptions (safe to take)? What if our doctor tells us they prescribe it all the time……is that enough to make us want to take it, as well?
Drug Recall
Before you take another prescription, visit this website. Often, especially in the case of a one-stop patient treatment facility, we buy what has been described without being able to check out the safety history of the product. The “Drug Recall” website (http://www.drugrecalls.com) is one independent observer and reporter of medicines that have been recalled. The following is just a mere example of the perpetual problem at hand:
Abbott Laboratories ($ABT) set aside $1.5 billion for a potential off-label marketing settlement with the U.S. Justice Department. If the settlement closes at $1.5 billion, it would rank as the second-largest off-label settlement in history, outranked only by Pfizer's $2.3 billion deal.
The potential legal settlement would resolve a longstanding investigation into Abbott's Depakote promotions. Whistleblower lawsuits allege that Abbott pushed the epilepsy drug, which is also approved for bipolar mania and migraine prevention, for a variety of unapproved uses. The company boasted that Depakote could treat autism, sexual compulsions, agitated and aggressive dementia patients, along with other conditions. The unapproved uses were promoted in a variety of U.S. healthcare settings, including long-term care and assisted-living facilities.
Last Updated (Thursday, 20 October 2011 18:53)
1.5 billion? What does that tell you? There’s a ton of money made in the production of medicine, medical equipment/processes and procedures. And there’s a ton of people who need them, as well. I just have to ask the question: If the former product worked, while invent the new one? Technology and advancement in science/medicine are always way beyond what we witness from the end result (what sits on the shelf). Research performed today might not make it to society for years. But at what price are we paying the piper to keep pushing out newer products sooner than they may be ready? Hmmmm….could it be about “money” or is it really about “advancement in medical science”? I pray it’s advancement over profit, but I have to ask the question.
Treatment
So what do we do when our loved ones (or ourselves) are prescribed medicine, under any condition (hospital, treatment care facility, etc.)? Do we stop the doctor and nurses (who for good reason believe that the medicine is necessary) and take the risk of being wrong? Remember: We are our own or our loved one’s advocate. Before you allow you or them to take anything ask about the history of the drug, if there are any other known drugs/treatments with a longer history and check the drug interaction conflicts yourself. I fully believe in the competency of doctors and nurses, but I also believe it is my responsibility to be proactive and provide to them anything I find that might have a negative effect on the outcome of care. Medical professionals trust drug companies as much as we do, with the same (if not greater) passion to see the patient healed through the process. However, drugs are never a fail-safe method; they are a possible means to an end.
Compensation testing
Clinical trial testing is the only way a pharmaceutical company will be able to test medicine, procedures and equipment, requiring someone to perform that test upon (i.e. guinea pigs aka people). If it weren’t for this process society would be without valuable healthcare. But in truth, it’s just that: a test based upon a process that produces “efficacy data” (the efficiency of the product). Smaller “pilot studies” represent the beginning of the process eventually increasing to larger groups throughout various countries/communities as the product/process/procedure successfully passes through. The cost is funded through various sources (pharmaceutical companies to governmental agencies) and can take years upon years before it makes it to the marketplace. Often, patients are compensated for their participation. Placebos (not the real thing) are intentionally administered during these types of testing procedures to help determine authenticity of the results. Some form of compensation is typically paid to these individuals for the invaluable service they offer: their own life. The price paid could never be enough, but for some it’s compensation they use to supplement their income to make ends meet (not all….but very many participants fall into this category).
So, where does this bring us to today? Hopefully, the increased awareness of what we’re doing to our bodies and our own ability to make wise decisions for our care and/or the care of our loved ones. If I have learned anything from being the caretaker in my family, I’ve learned this: Doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals are doing the best job they can with the information they have been given. It’s up to me to check on what I’m being told/advise to do before I allow it. Striking a balance between the two (advice and acceptance) is essential in taking responsibility of your own health.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Before you say “yes” research what you’re agreeing to, ask for alternatives and then make the decision.
Healthcare professionals will respect your thoughtful decision making process.
Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2011, All Rights Reserved
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