Jan. 30, 2005 - 23:48 MST

THE WONDERING JEW

With SEs

There is an article in the Rocky Mountain News - The Denver Post today that discusses things that some folks don't even want to consider when they are hurting. In part:

Mark Ruscin, Associate professor, department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado School of Pharmacy is the author.

No Miracle Drugs

Most People don't Weigh prescription dangers

"The advances in the development and clinical use of prescription drugs over the past couple of decades have been nothing short of miraculous. In a relatively short period of time, new drugs to treat heart conditions, diminish pain, calm digestive problems, combat allergies and treat sexual dysfunction, among other conditions, have flooded the market."

"Unfortunately, not all new drugs are necessarily better or safer than older drugs or other forms of treatment."

"Prescription drugs, although potentially life-saving -- and lifestyle saving -- also can be extremely dangerous, and their use should not be taken lightly. ALL MEDICATIONS including those bought over the counter without a prescription, have the potential to be dangerous and even lethal."

"It's important to remember the obvious: Medications don't have the ability to discriminate. They can't be directed to affect only the problems they're intended to address without affectilng other healthy systems in the body."

"Nearly all medications have side effects, some more severe than others."

"It is also important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Individual variations in genetics, age, gender, body weight and other factors will influence how a patient responds to a medication, both positively and negatively.

Also you may take other medications that may not work well in combination with another medication, or you may have other medical problems that make a specific drug a poor choice for YOU."

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Opinions and additions, I quote from the doctors article here also: . . . . ."We should ask the doctor":

"What is this medication intended for, and who is it intended for ?"

"Do I already take a medication that does something similar to what a new drug will do ?"

"What advantages and disadvantages does this new medication have compared to the one I am taking ?"

"Does this medication work with the other medications that I alaready take or with medical problems that I have ?"

"Would this medication be an optimal choice for me ?"

"Consumers should take an active role in their own health care, but that doesn't just mean requesting or even demanding certain prescription drugs

The doctor mentions some prescription drugs that can have harmful side effects on some people. Among them Nexxium - Prevacid, Enbrel, Celebrex, Zoloft, Viagara,- Cialis and Zocor - Lipitor.

One of the great dangers is taking over the counter old reliables that have new combinations, seems to me like even Alka Seltzer has several varities of tablet now. I know that tussin has several combinations, supposedly to combat different conditions. Straight tussin will help get rid of phlegm, but there is one recommended for use when one has a dry, non-productive cough - - - - makes me wonder if it is not like downing three cups of coffee one after another and taking a sleeping pill. Over the counter drugs when taken without a doctor's specific instructions can be deadly I think. Side Effects, meaning that there are some effects that happen beside what the medication is supposed to be helping and some are quite serious and dangerous and just might be more dangerous for you than others. Gotta be careful With SEs . . . . . . . . .

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