Re: Re: How Independent is the FDA?

April 9, 2004

In a message dated 09/04/2004 10:03:46 Central Standard Time,

Matsumura_Clan@... writes:

> costly COX-2s when ibuprofen would be appropriate. And the COX-2s

> seem to be developing side-effect profiles that were unexpected.

>

I agree! In my case, I stopped filling the Celebrex Rx because it didn't

really help and was expensive. I do way better with 600mg Ibuprofen here and

there than I did with 200mg Celebrex twice daily. And much nicer to my wallet.

Cary

April 9, 2004

In a message dated 09/04/2004 10:19:07 Central Standard Time,

iamladybird@... writes:

> : I agree with you 100%, but until doctors and patients alike

> say NO MORE I don't think it is going to change. What aggravates me

> even more is that our country develops all or most of these life

> saving meds...we through our drug prices pay for all or most of the

> research and devolpment, and other countries don't pay anywhere near

> the prices we pay for the meds, or because our folks can't afford

> medical insurance don't even have the opportunity of these drugs. It

> is a subject I am sure we could rant and rave about

> forever.......Kathi in OK

>

And then again, in places like Africa where Aids is rampant and there is no

money, they attempt to make a fortune on the meds these people need to slow

progression and leave less orphans, refusing in most cases to let other

companies

market cheap generics to save lives of millions. ugh. Cary

April 9, 2004

In a message dated 09/04/2004 12:41:34 Central Standard Time,

Matsumura_Clan@... writes:

> I agree, Cary. The magnitude of the AIDS problem in Africa is

> staggering. So sad. And the power/money issues are disheartening.

>

> I was stunned to read the latest polio immunization boycott in Nigeria

> where some Muslim clerics in some states said that the vaccines were

> part of a plot to make the females infertile.

>

> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3488806.stm

>

> There seem to be so many hurdles in getting people the help they need

> both here and abroad.

>

Hiya

All I can say is our world is a very frustrating place. We do our best to

improve the little circle in which we live, and hope others do the same. From a

nursing standpoint (and when you are a nurse, it is weird but it isn't a job,

it becomes all you are all the time) education is our strongest ally. We

just keep speaking up whether people want to hear us or not, and hope we can

help

effect change. And that includes who we vote for! Okay, off my damn

soapbox....enjoy the sunshine here today in NE Illinois! Cary

April 9, 2004

Kathi, my main beef about the whole situation is that doctors should

step back and see this situation for what it is and prescribe more

responsibly. They hold the prescription pad and pen. I know they have a

lot of pressure on them from pharmaceutical companies and patients, but

they should know better. The trend before us is disturbing.

One example: it is mind-boggling how many people are being prescribed

the costly COX-2s when ibuprofen would be appropriate. And the COX-2s

seem to be developing side-effect profiles that were unexpected.

Expect the unexpected, I say! Just because a drug has been approved by

the FDA does not necessarily mean it's safe or better than alternative

medications, especially if it's been on the market for a short time. The

first few years on the market is the real test.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] Re: How Independent is the FDA?

> The power of money....it is sad that our doctors are influenced by

> the drug companies and our regulating people are too....but then

> again it is BIG buisness....but at least they do a fair job on

> getting word out on recall, shortages,and new drug release

> dates....Kathi in OK

April 9, 2004

I agree, Cary. The magnitude of the AIDS problem in Africa is

staggering. So sad. And the power/money issues are disheartening.

I was stunned to read the latest polio immunization boycott in Nigeria

where some Muslim clerics in some states said that the vaccines were

part of a plot to make the females infertile.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3488806.stm

There seem to be so many hurdles in getting people the help they need

both here and abroad.

I'll tell you where to go!