In Worst Pills, Best Pills Dr. Sidney Wolfe and the physicians and pharmacists of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group analyzed the research on 538 of the marketed drugs. Public Citizen warns consumers about 181 pills that you should not take, either because they are ineffective, they have not had enough investigation, or they are downright dangerous. They also recommend safer alternatives. The book is full of helpful information and can help you make an informed decision.

Public Citizen called for the recall of Vioxx long before the recent dangers were exposed to the public. In this book they warn of several other drugs that you absolutely should not take. There is a ill conceived notion that newer is better, and doctors often prescribe brand new drugs.

This book can be a lifesaver. My sister recently had heart bypass surgery and was put on some new drugs, including the new lipid drug Crestor. When she told me she was battling an untreatable bladder infection, I looked it up in Worst Pills, Best Pills. It said DO NOT TAKE. Can cause kidney failure! She did not learn this from her doctor or from her pharmacist. She stopped the drug immediately, and now believes that this may very well have saved her life. Public Citizen is calling for the recall of Crestor!

The Center for Public Integrity recently found that the Drug Lobby is second to none in Washington, and, due to their influence, the FDA is now a shell of its former self. This means that there are fewer protections in place for consumers. Now more than ever, consumers must be well informed about the risks and benefits of their medications.

Contrary to the critics, Worst Pills, Best Pills is not a dangerous book. The doctors and pharmacists at Public Citizen warn patients not to stop blood pressure medicine (and other) medications suddenly. They advise patients to talk to their doctor, and they recommend safer alternatives. They also explain about risks and benefits, and things to report to your doctor. Patients should learn all they can about their own medical conditions.

Drug companies spend big money on marketing. Their direct patient ads are very effective, and quite often misleading. If you can “ask your doctor” about the latest pill you see on TV, you certainly can ask about alternatives. Be an informed patient, and get Worst Pills, Best Pills.

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Created Jul 17, 2005 at 6:44pm • Submit your own review...