Dangers of Prescription Drugs

Tuesday, April 1st 2003

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In my last editorial I quoted statistics showing 13,000 New Zealanders die or are permanently injured each year through hospital mistakes.

Now from the Journal of The American Medical Association 2002 comes a further indictment of the dangers of orthodox prescription drugs.

In the USA, nearly 20 million patients took at least one of the five drugs that the country's medical watchdog, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pulled off the market between September 1997 and September 1998. Three of those five drugs were new, having been on the market for less than two years. More important, says the study, seven drugs approved since 1993 and subsequently withdrawn from the market may have contributed to 1002 deaths. The statistics in New Zealand will be little different as most prescription drugs come from US companies.

Keeping track of the potential side effects of a new drug is a nightmare for the average GP. Of course, most people know that you can't be certain a drug is safe until it's been on the market for many years and, even then, you can't be sure that yet more side-effects don't lie just around the corner. Serious side effects or adverse reactions are usually only discovered after the drug has been on the market for many years.

Now, a USA study, the first to analyse the 'black box' or side effect warnings appearing in the standard American drug guide - the Physicians Desk Reference - recommends that GP's should AVOID using new drugs if older, more established, alternatives are available.

If GP's have to use the latest drug, they should inform their patients that it is new and has a limited safety record, and observe patients closely. The study also suggests that the labelling should show prominently when the drug was approved, and any changes should also be highlighted and dated. When a serious side effect is discovered, the labelling of all other drugs in the same class should also be reviewed. New data for the drug's performance may determine whether the GP prescribes it or not.

However, nothing will completely eliminate the risk of unexpected side effects.

It is important if you experience an adverse reaction to a prescription drug to please notify CARM, Dunedin School of Medicine, Phone 03 479 7185.

Source: Editorial - Gary Mabey, ND

Reproduced unabridged from the April - June 2003 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

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If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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