8 replies to this topic

[jextract]

Can't find the link so I'll just post the interview. Hope this doesn't send me to "copyright infringement hell" ... <had to pull it, but Don supplied the link below - Walter>
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http://lists.essenti...ust/006849.html

[WreckWench]

Kudos Jexy!

I especially like:

Q: What can be done to fix the system?

A: The single most important change that should be made -- and it could be made tomorrow -- is for Congress to redefine what safe and effective means, to insist that the FDA require manufacturers to test new drugs not just against placebos but against existing drugs. After all, the relevant issue isn't whether a new drug works better than nothing; it's whether it's better than older drugs already in use.

That's why so many clinical trials published are of no use to doctors. Doctors don't want to know if this new drug is better than a sugar pill. They want to know if it's better than the drug they're already using. The FDA should require manufacturers to compare new drugs head to head, at equivalent doses. Only drugs that are safer, more effective, or significantly more convenient, should be approved.

We also need to make the FDA more independent. The FDA has 18 advisory committees, and many of the members of those committee have financial ties to the drug industry. That's wrong.

Finally, university medical centers and medical societies and the people who run them need to stop fooling themselves into thinking they can take huge sums of money from drug makers and still remain objective and independent.

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Q: Is there anything patients can do?

A: Ask questions. If your doctor prescribes a medication, ask about the evidence that shows it is effective. Ask why your doctor is prescribing this particular drug. Ask if there are older, less expensive drugs that might work just as well. A few questions from patients might begin to make [doctors] think about what they're doing. Finally, ask your doctor whether you really need a drug at all. Maybe a lifestyle change would be better, or maybe the illness is mild and will go away on its own.

[DandyDon]

HYe fellow! Good article!

And I like seeing the article instead of a link, but in case you need one, here it is:

http://lists.essenti...ust/006849.html

Have you ever met a Pharm Co Rep? Very wel dressed, high caliber, generous, often lovely women.

[jextract]

Thanks for the help, guys!

[WreckWench]

Thanks for the help, guys!

No problem....just Walter keeping us from getting in trouble! Thanks for the excellent article! -ww

[mvillanueva]

Q:

That's why so many clinical trials published are of no use to doctors. Doctors don't want to know if this new drug is better than a sugar pill. They want to know if it's better than the drug they're already using. The FDA should require manufacturers to compare new drugs head to head, at equivalent doses. Only drugs that are safer, more effective, or significantly more convenient, should be approved.

I find that quote quite interesting. The placebo effect is often times more powerful that the drug itself. Placebo effects in clincial trials average 20-30%. Efficacy rates for medications are often measured in the single digits.

What an amazing, market driven comment!

[jextract]

Hey, Michael! Nice to have you back!!

[Terri]

Hey Michael - Long time, no see!!! Nice to see you're back amongst the craziness!

[WreckWench]

Hey Michael - Long time, no see!!! Nice to see you're back amongst the craziness!

Yep...some things NEVER change...it is certainly STILL crazy here! Welcome back to the fun MV! -ww