There is a growing movement that consumers should be able to calculate the benefits and risks of a prescription drug just like we can figure out the fat and calories of a chocolate chip cookie.
Inspired by the nutrition fact panels on food packaging, researchers at the Dartmouth Medical School are asking federal regulators to consider numerical
Tables that quantify the benefits of a drug versus a placebo and list the side the side effects as well. These drug fact boxes would appear on ads and on the packaging of the prescription.
This idea was presented at an F.D.A. hearing last month which focused on improving drug information for parents. The agency has acknowledged that there are complaints about not enough information regarding prescriptions in general.
Federal law does require that drug ads include a brief summary about the possible side effects of a medication and about who should not be taking a certain drug. In TV commercials we usually hear this list read more quickly than an auctioneer calling off cattle.
The concern is that ads don't explain how well a drug does work other than a few testimonials and personal stories. Critics call this misleading advertising. Other critics feel the ads are too vague about risks. The thinking is that if consumers have more information about drugs they might avoid the less effective drugs no matter how much they advertise.
Wow! What a novel approach to considering that we consumers may be interested in taking some responsibility for our medication. Interested in knowing what you think about this notion.
Right now, the thought is still in concept stage.
To your success no matter your age.
Ruthan Brodsky
