for anyone not 50, find a copy of the new AARP newsletter. What I already knew and my pet peeve of all time.
Read the article about the docs being in bed with the drug companies.
You will become a believer and a skeptic.
I already was.

Holly, I found the article you were talking about. I am not sure I would describe it as "being in bed" with the drug companies, but all of the marketing pharmaceutical companies direct at medical providers certainly seems like a conflict of interest. I suppose that is a very good reason to do your homework and have frank discussions with your doctor. Ask him if there is a reason not to try cheaper/older generic drugs before leaping to the newest brand name. We can be part of the problem too, because we see the direct marketing on TV and ask for brand name drugs.

Fortunately for me, I have Kaiser HMO, and the doctors are supposed to follow the policy to use the best AND most cost effective choice for your particular situation. It saves money for both myself and my health plan.

Here is the link to the article:
http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourhealth/drug_rep_ties_that_bind.html

Jan

Hey Jan
Thanks for the link. I do believe Azulfadine is a good example of UC drugs no longer prescribed by many docs because of the agressive marketing for new and costly drugs.
Kaiser! Just saw Sicko, know the name from the documentary.
Yeah, in bed with, loose term I don't usually type faster than I think.LOL

This is a rather discouraging article.

Selective Publication of Antidepressant Trials and Its Influence on Apparent Efficacy

Yes, I saw the reference in the news about the antidepressants. Seems sad that the pharmaceutical companies need to bury studies that show mediocre results to win FDA approval.

Holly, our Kaiser docs still prescribe Azulfidine first and go to Asacol only as needed. My husband is one and this was only a few years ago. Haven't seen sicko yet, but I think all the insurance providers get slammed, all true stuff, with bias.

Guess we need to keep informing ourselves about what is needed and what is hype.

Jan