Many of us are predisposed towards a mistrust of drug companies. The fact is, they make billions of dollars every year, and it seems like most would do anything for a buck. Recent news that AstraZeneca allegedly suppressed negative information about Seroquel, an anti-psychotic drug, is not helping the tarnished image that the pharmaceutical industry has earned.
A Washington Post article published recently outlines the study, known as “Study 15,” and reported that AstraZeneca had suppressed the study’s negative results, and at the same time promoted more positive results from other studies with less stringent protocols.
When a doctor explains treatment options to a patient, it’s often little understood; frequently glossed over; and delivered in over-technical terms. A new movement in health care is makings strides to change the status quo, and with it the decisions of a whole new group of patients.
Case Examples of Informed Consent Opportunities
Currently, the most effective early warning signal for prostate cancer is an elevated level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. But that test is nowhere near perfect – many men with prostate cancer test negative for PSA, and men who are overweight and have developed prostate cancer often have reduced PSA levels. Up to 25% of men with prostate cancer test negative for elevated PSA.
The $787 billion economic stimulus package that was signed into law last week includes one or two health-related measures that haven’t been widely publicized, but which are no less important for it.
One of these is the $1.1 billion that has been assigned for a study to compare the effectiveness of a large number of medical treatments, drugs, surgeries, and other current standard medical procedures and devices. A council of fifteen federal employees will be set up to coordinate the research and advise the President and Congress on where the money would best be spent.
The program is a response to growing concerns that doctors have little solid evidence on which to base the value of many of the treatments that are currently considered standard.
The medical breakthroughs that get reported in the media rarely end up being the miracle cures they’re often portrayed as. In 2008, however, there were several important advanced made in medical science that could have a significant impact on public health in years to come.
The question of whether organic food is good for you has finally been answered: A review of studies on nutrient content of organic fruits, vegetables, and grains has confirmed that these have up to 25% more nutrients than conventionally-grown produce.
Another long-held myth—about the efficacy of antibioticsfor sinus infections—was also dispelled in 2008. Over the course of nine studies involving 2,500 participants, it was found that antibiotics didn’t significantly hasten recovery. According to allergist Neil L. Kao, MD, taking a decongestant or mucus thinner, along with a painkiller as needed, is just as beneficial.
Off-label prescribing—the practice of prescribing medication for a condition for which it is not indicated or approved—is very common in America, particularly in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In 2001, an estimated 21% of prescriptions for the 160 of the most commonly-used drugs were off-label. And 75% of those off-label prescriptions were written for conditions for which there is absolutely no scientific evidence to prove they work!
The law doesn’t prevent this practice, although it does prevent pharmaceutical companies from promoting off-label prescribing. Often, there’s no real harm in off-labeling, but equally so, there’s even more often no scientific proof that those off-label drugs are doing you any good. The only evidence is what’s called anecdotal – evidence that has been noted by doctors, but there has been no scientific study carried out to provide hard proof.
Imagine constructing a human being synthesized completely through science—a seemingly supernatural fabrication of life. You may think Frankenstein. You may visualize Iron Man. But it’s called bionics.
The field of bionics doesn’t necessarily create entire human beings, but rather constructs body parts for better human functionality. People have been losing body parts and use of body parts since the beginning of time. Non-functioning limbs have been replaced with plastic, wood and even steel.
With all the controversy over statin drugs recently, you might be on the search for a healthy, over-the-counter alternative. A few recent studies have found a common chinese supplement could help dramatically reduce cholesterol.
The Merits of Red Yeast Rice
A Chinese supplement, red yeast rice, is a natural remedy for lowering cholesterol and preventing heart attacks. Studies have showed that 5,000 Chinese heart attack patients who were taking red yeast rice pills cut their risk of getting another heart attack by nearly 50%. They also reduced their chances of needing heart procedures like bypass surgery or angioplasty. Chances of dying from cancer were also reduced by two-thirds.
Recent studies have shown that processed meats, such as sausage, could potentially contribute to cancer. Although it may not kill you tomorrow, a daily dose of the cured meat increases the risk of a number of cancers. The culprits include hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers (the ones that are processed), salami, ham, bacon and pastrami.
The American Academy of Neurology is giving us one more reason to stop smoking and drinking: Alzheimer’s sets in earlier for these risk groups, and the data seems to be undeniable. At the same time, there is apparently a new miracle cure for Alzheimer’s on the horizon. This entry will review both the newest cures and curses of Alzheimer’s.
With all the controversy over statin drugs recently, you might be on the search for a healthy, over-the-counter alternative. A few recent studies have found a common chinese supplement could help dramatically reduce cholesterol.
Recent studies have shown that processed meats, such as sausage, could potentially contribute to cancer. Although it may not kill you tomorrow, a daily dose of the cured meat increases the risk of a number of cancers. The culprits include hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers (the ones that are processed), salami, ham, bacon and pastrami.