Even less than half-baked
Well, it looks like I'm not alone in my skepticism of off-label uses for prescription drugs after all. After I sent out yesterday's eTip I found some good news on two of the health websites I visit regularly. According to one of the articles, a new study published in the journal Pharmacotherapy "calls for greater scrutiny of 'off-label' drug use." The lead researcher of the study concluded that "Off label prescribing is not based on the same level of evidence as on-label prescribing." And the really scary part of that? All too often the "evidence" for on-label prescribing is half-baked—at best. One good thing: Drug companies aren't typically allowed to market their products for off-label uses. But that doesn't mean they don't do it. Which is why another group of researchers are calling for tougher penalties and even fines for drug companies that violate these rules. Unfortunately Big Pharma has plenty of ways to skirt around these regulations. For instance, they are allowed to share studies about "other" potential applications with doctors, who are the ones doing the off-label prescribing. It's important to realize, though, that you're not bound by ANY prescription you receive. If you have doubts about something your doctor recommends, or aren't comfortable taking a medication, it's well within your rights to get a second opinion. Preferably one from a physician skilled in natural medicine who won't turn you into a human science experiment. To get a list of natural medicine doctors in your area, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532-3688 or visit www.acam.org. Sources:
"Study calls for greater scrutiny of 'off-label' drug use," HealthDay (www.healthday.com), 11/24/08
"Strengthen restrictions on off-label promotion by pharmaceutican companies, researchers urge," ScienceDaily (www.sciencedaily.com), 10/30/08 | 
