ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 13, 1997 TAG: 9704110006
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 5 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: THE PEOPLE'S PHARMACY
SOURCE: JOE GRAEDON AND TERESA GRAEDON
Astronomers are constantly scanning the skies searching for new discoveries. Air traffic controllers peer into their radar screens trying to keep planes from crashing into one another. And the Food and Drug Administration monitors reports of adverse reactions looking for potential drug dangers.|
The FDA's most recent report card is in and the top 10 suspect drugs have been identified. Heading the list was Aleve (naproxen), an over-the-counter drug for pain. Next came Norplant (levonorgestrel), a five-year implantable contraceptive.|
Prozac (fluoxetine), the popular antidepressant, is third on this hit parade. Others in the top 10 include the contraceptive shot Depo-Provera, the schizophrenia drug Risperdal and the Today contraceptive sponge (now removed from the market). Rounding out the list were Rogaine for hair loss, Humulin insulin for diabetes, Mevacor to lower cholesterol and the antibiotic Biaxin.|
The FDA report is not scientific. It involves no clinical research and doesn't really identify which drugs are most likely to cause problems, nor does it say what those specific problems are. But it does serve as an early warning system.|
When a drug company hears about a dangerous reaction that was not previously recognized, it must relay this incident to the FDA promptly. Physicians, pharmacists, nurses and patients can also submit reports of adverse drug experiences.|
This MedWatch program is haphazard at best. Dr. David Kessler, the outgoing FDA commissioner, estimates that ``only about 1 percent of serious events are reported to the FDA.'' That means 99 out of 100 slip through the cracks.|
The top 10 list consists of drugs that received the most complaints. That does not mean that these medications are bad or even worse than others. Prozac, for example, may have generated more attention because it was more popular and controversial than similar antidepressants.|
Flawed as it may be, the FDA's MedWatch system is essential. According to a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, adverse drug events ``may account for up to 140,000 deaths annually in the United States.'' If a jumbo jet crashed every day, that still wouldn't equal the number of people dying from drug complications.|
People must be more vigilant about the medicines they take, especially those that make the top 10 list. By being aware of potential problems, it may be possible to recognize them before they become serious. Ask the doctor and pharmacist about side effects before swallowing any pills and also do your own homework. Our most recent book, ``The People's Pharmacy,'' has critical information on many popular medicines. It is available from your library or bookseller.|
If you do experience a serious problem, report it to the FDA. You can obtain a MedWatch form from your pharmacist. Or you can request one by calling (800) 332-1088 or writing to MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787.|
If people take the time to report their adverse drug reactions, others may be spared a similar experience.
LENGTH: Medium: 63 linesby CNB