I try to keep up with the pharmaceutical news, just because someone should be keeping an eye out on those Phucktards and their co-horts, the FDA. It amazes me, how one seems to have totally bought the other and therefore dictates what drugs are released. Of course, only the most popular and expensive seem to be pushed through the government bureaucracy, but maybe that’s just me.
For instance — did you know the smoking cessation drug being touted on commercials everywhere under the name of Chantix and Zyban will now carry warning labels that one of the side effects could be the urge to commit suicide? The drugs won’t be banned, but they will carry a warning.
I think suicide is a pretty radical way to stop smoking, but what the hell do I know.
Zicam cold remedies containing zinc could cause a permanent loss of the ability to smell. So, you’ll shorten the duration of a cold but the price is giving up your olfactory sense. You decide if it’s worth it.
After the FDA received 23 reports of liver damage or death, the manufacturers of Hydroxycut (a fat burner and weight loss aid) have voluntarily pulled the product from the shelves. More than top weight loss pills are subject of a warning because of undeclared or risky ingredients.
I could go on for pages. The bottom line is, it’s all about money. What do those drugs I just cited have in common? POPULARITY. Everyone wants to quit smoking, everyone gets a cold, and everyone wants to lose weight. We’re talking big bucks, and it looks like these drugs were pushed through the FDA system too fast in order to rack up the profits.
I guess the point of all this is before you take that prescription from your doctor (if you’re lucky enough to have insurance to SEE a doctor, and don’t get me going on this) ask some questions. Just because a drug is new doesn’t mean it’s better — quite the opposite, in fact. Older drugs have been on the market longer, have a longer and better documented performance record, and might be more suitable for what ails you. Pharmaceutical reps visit doctor’s offices with gifts and free samples of the newest best thing — but their job is to sell drugs. They inform the doctor of the basics of the new drug, and sometimes the doctor has time to read all the accompanying literature and sometimes they don’t. But always remember, the new wonder drug is all about money.
Be your own advocate. Don’t just take the red pill because the doctor said it will fix your problem. Educate yourself and make your own decision.