Few of us research the drugs we are given for effectiveness and safety. Nor do we compare costs, as we would with any other consumer product. That’s largely because they come free (or at subsidised cost on prescription) and because it is comforting to think that doctor knows best. But as you’ll see from the drugs discussed in this article, doctors often either don’t know or may keep on prescribing drugs even though there are serious question marks over them.
When you’re unwell or your body isn’t functioning as it should, it can be difficult to know the best course of action to take. To make things even more confusing, the answer to the question ‘Do the benefits of this drug outweigh the risks?’ is never a simple yes or no. As you will see, American experts can vote 20-1 against licensing a drug because they don’t believe the benefits outweigh the risks, while the UK drugs watchdog may give the same drug it a yes.
Drugs and the law
Common drugs used for diabetes
Lowering cholesterol with drugs
More about painkillers
Drugs commonly used and their side effects
The nutritional approach to drugs
Answers to these questions & more are available to 100% Health Club Members
