How much trust do you have in the dat... - Research Opportun...
Research Opportunities
How much trust do you have in the data provided by pharmaceutical companies regarding the safety and efficacy of their products?
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I said little trust because even some physicians have admitted that some data is one sided. They use one result for a particular race for other races. It's not completely a true data.
I have worked with the pharmaceutical industry for over thirty years and I know that the industry bend over backward to get the data sheet correct, as even leaving out the most miniscule amount of data they will be jumped on.
Everyone is different! Trying to fit "round" people into square boxes never works!
You are backing up exactly what I said, the company gets jumped on from a great height, if they do not keep to the rules and these are very good examples.
What a brilliant and constructive response. I was going to reply by saying it depends what company but your opinion and answers are great.
To get a new drug on the market takes about ten years and costs around two billion dollars. Just think what it would be like if we got rid of the pharmaceutical companies. A lot of doctors would be in deep trouble. I agree drug companies are not whiter than white, but who is? When you look at the billions of tablets prescribed each year, they do a pretty good job for a product that is so highly complex.
I do believe the motivation of money distorts everything but at the same time I am amazed by the very long lists of side effects listed even on TV ads and on the info pamphlets that Pharmacies must give patients. It is scary to think they may not be comprehensive!!
Big pharma is not to be trusted!
When you have to take a variety of medications, the contraindications are not always extensive enough or accurate. Therefore some medications can seriously affect the efficiency of others. This is not noted at the GP surgery, you have to research it yourself, then present the info to the GP, who seems oblivious. Also, the dosing requirements are not highlighted. I.e. taking medication on an empty stomach, waiting for some time b4 eating, not taking supplements too soon after etc. Also requirements for accurate blood testing and ceasing certain medications before test for better accuracy.There is so much information in the pharmaceutical leaflets, but not always the whole story for a first time user. Also GPs need more alerting information on IT system regarding mixing medications. Also when in hospital, knowledge of medications, when to give etc is chaotic. With thyroid meds, which need to be taken an hour before food, I was always given it after breakfast, when they did the meds, even after I told them many times.
This needs to be addressed, or emphasised by the pharmaceutical companies.
You make some interesting observations here as my Dad was in a nursing home , had meds at the wrong time due to multiple staff doling them out and frequently given foods which he needed to eat in moderation despite a lengthy questionnaire filled in with family support when he arrived . Personally I don't take anything unless my condition is serious then I research alternatives including surgery . I followed this through with our children and was amazed when as a Nursery Nurse we gave out paracetamol liquid out frequently to the children . They even chanted the brand name as we dosed it . Medication is a very valuable entity which keeps many alive and supports to better quality of life but like you say it needs to be given with precise instructions in order for the user to get the max effects from it and the patient should be given full knowledge of potential side effects . I feel with the pressure the NHS is under there may be a lack of medication reviews as I was clearly on my prescribed meds too long as I was in a long queue for surgery which was in my case the best option as the meds that supported my condition weakened other functions . I do value the giant pharmaceutical companies who can't always get it right as our bodies are complex .Testing is understandably difficult as they are treating humans and some drugs need to be monitored for years . I think as laws and safe guarding tightens thus costs of drugs rocket then the NHS isn't going to find it easy to fund advancements and new drugs which could actually help with noted side effects and possibly be more cost effective over time .