Posted by JANNBEAU on May 29, 2002, at 10:24:14
In reply to just started, posted by DJT on May 28, 2002, at 15:32:36
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> "So why is it that there are so many negative comments on this board? Is it because many of you are more difficult cases than average?"> Hi, DJT. I think you have hit the nail on the head. Most of us who post regularly on this site have noted the fact that most of the posts are negative in tone, although many of us also try to balance the pros and cons. Also, those who experience a negative side-effect of a medication have been shown to be more vocal about their problems than are those who do not experience any negative effects and are happy with their response to a drug (as with other situations in life, we complain when we are unhappy, but fail to give thanks when we are satisfied)! This means that there is probably some sort of "selection bias" occurring. Also, many of us report side effects that have already been reported in the literature and/or which are listed in the product information sheet that comes with the medication. I always ask for the "physician's insert" with my first Rx of anything. That way, I know ahead of time what the most common side effects are. Also, as more and more people take a drug, it is possible that rare side effects will surface that the drug studies are not designed to pick up (would need too many subjects, which would lead to longer times to development and marketing of good drugs as well as even steeper costs). Some such effects have led to withdrawal of certain medications, but most just lead to changes in labeling. Sometimes the side-effects even lead to studies for a new indication. Also doctors often use meds "off-label". If enough have success with such "off-label" use (which is NOT illegal in the US, by the way), the manufacturer will often do studies and ask for a "new indication" approval.
Hope this is helpful to you,
Cheers,Jannbeau
poster:JANNBEAU
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020525/msgs/107937.html