Are consumers in denial regarding serious warnings on pharmaceuticals?

1. 89

   rmcrayneposted 12 years ago

   Are consumers in denial regarding serious warnings on pharmaceuticals?
   
   How long does the list of harmful or potentially fatal side effects have to be, before consumers stop and think "This is crazy!"

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2. 61

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   I do think that the average consumer is naive about the warnings, side effects and the dangers of mixing medications.  It seems there is an over whelming attitude of  - it won't happen to me.

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3. 69

   Missing Linkposted 12 years ago

   I hear you.  I always think it is a but comical at the end of a pharmaceutical commercial, in a whispery tone, they mention all the possible side effects---many of which are devastating.  I agree with the other respondent also.   Furthermore, I think some people are willing to take the risk---if their condition is causing them great suffering they are willing to roll the dice in hopes the medicine helps them and won't hurt.

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4. 61

   ThatYossarianposted 12 years ago

   I think it has very little to do with consumers being in denial and everything to do with the serious nature of many of the illnesses for which the drugs are taken. It comes down to a balance of risk vs. reward.
   
   For example, there is no doubt that many chemotherapeutic agents have serious side-effects. However, when faced with the possibility of side-effects vs. the inevitability of cancer-related death, a consumer must make the logical decision to accept the risk of possible drug-related side effects to try to beat his or her disease.
   
   The same type positive and negative balance goes for most serious health conditions. Patients with heart disease are almost certainly better off taking beta blockers, even though there is a chance of adverse effects.
   
   With that being said, the best way to try to avoid the risk of side-effects is to lead a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, and plenty of sleep. By taking a proactive role in one's own health, individuals may be able to minimize risk factors for diseases which necessitate serious medications.
   
   Not all diseases are preventable, though, and even the healthiest of individuals can be afflicted by serious illness. To suggest that these individuals are in denial for choosing to treat their illness with pharmaceuticals is a bit unfair, in my opinion.

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   1. 89

      rmcrayneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      (Well-) Spoken by someone truly indoctrinated into Western Medicine thinking.

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5. 85

   Gemini Foxposted 12 years ago

   Yes, it's so laughable when a commercial lists all the possible side effects of a drug and that alone takes up a good portion of the commercial!  But I think that mainly the companies are covering their butts and listing every side effect that could possibly happen when in reality only a very small percentage of those who take the drug are really adversely affected.   
   
   Probably an obvious question, but if a drug lists "dizziness" as a side affect, what is that drug actually doing to your body to create that dizziness?!  I don't think that many time when we look at the side effects of a drug, we really, really think about that!

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6. 61

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   No, I don't think so, but many are undereducated. All drugs have side effects and all should be prescribed after weighing the benefits and risks for a particular individual. People need to be educated consumers so they can be an intelligent member of their own treatment team.

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7. 0

   idratherbeposted 12 years ago

   Between the medications and the steroids and such to produce livestock faster, one should start to wonder what effects they are having on us. Not to mention, a large farmer's field with no bugs. What impact are these insecticides having on us?

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   1. 89

      rmcrayneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Auto-immune diseases, including cancer I’d say.

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