I don't mean to be insensitive to people with serious medical problems, however, when I see these commercials of various medications and I listen to the potential side effects, it almost seems like taking the medicine would be worse than the original disease. Its like treating your depression by giving you liver failure. The potential for side effects would seem to outweigh the benefits of the medication. Do you think these lists of adverse effects are just an attempt by the manufacturer to manage risk? Maybe the side effects are uncommon and the medication is safe and effective for most people.
Medication Side Effects
- Thread starter Ramone45
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blunt_trauma
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*gasp* ya think?!
sweepthefloor
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I think every 'body' tolerates medications differently. I also think that the decision needs to be made based on the situation. The 'blanket' list of side effects is not a one size fits all beds kinda thing.
True, but the potential side effects has to give one pause. I think this is a problem with marketing highly sophisticated pharmaceuticals to the general public. The average person does not have the expertise to assess the risk-benefit ratio.
blunt_trauma
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prescription drugs.
'ask your doctor about ...'
can/do you trust your doctor?
'ask your doctor about ...'
can/do you trust your doctor?
sweepthefloor
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It is a mistake to assume that the average person doesn't understand-- and if they do not, it is the providers job to educate. The average person doesn't prescribe medications to themselves.
If the question is marketing-- a person goes to the provider and asks if the 'highly sophisticated pharmaceutical' will benefit him/her-- then a discussion takes place. At this time benefits vs risk is assessed, and a decision is made.
What I see is the opposite of this: A necessary medication is prescribed, and the person doesn't want to take it out of fear of the side effects as advertised on television/internet.
MedicalMuse
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Honestly, it has more to do with the possibility of getting sued. Drug manufacturers have to make you aware of what possibly could happen if you take the drug, for legal reasons. Some people have no side effects, some people have severe anaphylaxis. It depends on how bad the original problem is: suicidal depression vs diarrhea for life. Hmmmmm? Which is worse in your mind?
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