Problems With Prescriptions Story aired: Wednesday, December 08, 2004
With nearly half of all Americans taking at least one prescription drug, and one in six taking at least three, medical consumers assume that the medicines they're taking are safe. Recently, however, the safety and efficacy of several federally-approved drugs have been called into question. Vioxx, a popular arthritis medication, was pulled from the market in September, after evidence surfaced showing that it significantly increased the risk of heart attack among its users. Others removed from the market in recent years include the allergy medication Seldane, and Fen-Phen, the now vilified weight loss pill. According to some physicians and medical watchdogs, those drugs are just the tip of the iceberg.
During the Senate hearings on the safety of Vioxx, whistleblower Dr. David Graham of the FDA named five common prescription drugs he believes require more scrutiny. These range from the weight loss drug Meridia, to the acne medication Accutane. Others at the FDA dispute Graham's statements. They say Graham is pushing his own agenda as a well known born-again Christian. For instance, Accutane can cause birth defects in pregnant women, which in turn might lead to abortions, which he is against. That, his critics contend, shades his view of the drug.
Dr. Jerry Avorn is author of "Powerful Medicines: The Benefits, Risks and Costs of Prescription Drugs." He also teaches at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
Guests:
Dr. Jerry Avorn, author of "Powerful Medicines: The Benefits, Risks and Costs of Prescription Drugs," and professor at Harvard Medical School
