|
Patients often name the media, along with doctors and pharmacists,
as a primary source of information about new prescription
medications. One of the primary goals of news media is to
protect the public good by providing fair, balanced and accurate
information. Minimally, news reports on new drugs should list
both the harms and benefits, along with their role in treating
a condition.
In
Canada, where more money is collectively spent on prescription
drugs than doctor visits, a study in the Canadian Medical
Association Journal evaluated newspaper articles in 2000
reporting on new drug benefits and risks, and other aspects
related to fair and balanced reporting. Researchers looked
at news coverage of five prescription drugs launched between
1996 and 2001 that were prominently named in the media (Lipitor,
Celebrex, Tamiflu, Aricept and Evista). Articles that named
at least one benefit or harm for any of these medications
in any of Canada's 24 largest daily newspapers were considered.
 Almost 200 newspaper articles reported at least one benefit
or harm of one of these five drugs in 2000. Every article
mentioned a minimum of one benefit, but over two-thirds did
not mention any possible side-effects or risks from taking
these drugs. In fact, drug benefits were five times more likely
to be mentioned in articles than harmful side-effects. And
merely 4% of the articles mentioned contraindications to drugs,
or significant reasons not to take them - information needed
before safely deciding to take a medication.
This study highlights the concern that media reports on new
drugs may be incomplete and present an unbalanced view of
medications, making people decide they need a particular drug
for their condition based on minimal information. Although
this study was conducted in Canada, for comparison, a similar
study conducted in the U.S. showed that over half of media
reports mentioning drug benefits listed no potential harmful
side-effects.
Don't formulate opinions about the value of a new medication
based on the media - only your physician is qualified to determine
which prescription drugs are safe and effective. Your chiropractor
is also an important source of information, particularly when
it comes to proposing nonpharmaceutical options for dealing
with your condition.
Reference:
Cassels A, Hughes MA, et al. Drugs in the
news: An analysis of Canadian newspaper coverage of new prescription
drugs. Canadian Medical Association Journal 2003:168(9),
pp. 1133-1137.
To read about the many risks associated with prescription
and over-the-counter drugs, go to www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/general/drugs.
|
