New Drugs Versus Tried And True Drugs

I have a question for the FDA and CDC. Drugs like Donnatal which had been on the market before WWII are now considered too dangerous. Many people have taken this drug as prescribed. In fact, I am 65 and took it at age 15 for ulcers with very little side effects. I look at the drugs currently being prescribed and see death, stroke, heart attack, liver failure, pancreatic problems, kidney failure, just to name a few and I have to question whether these drugs are not more deadly than drugs such as Donnatal? I know that any chemical in the human body has some side effects, but how can the side effects of approved drugs be any better than what has been used for years, not to mention the fact that unless a drug is priced to the max -- it doesn't seem to be considered safe. Drugs such as Neurontin have major problems with weight and nerve functionality but doctors prescribe it in high dosages. How bad are some additions when the alternative drug can bring death as well? Please FDA, answer this question for me!

REPLY

REPORT

Over time, medical scientists try to find safer options that work more effectively, but there is no way to eliminate all possible side effects and risks, since that is just the nature of adding a chemical to the body to try and correct a problem.

Donnatal really carries as many risks as the others, according to FDA reports, such as liver failure, depression, mood changes, irregular heartbeat, and shallow breathing, which means there's also a risk of death from taking it.

However, if you would like to ask pointed questions to the FDA regarding the matter, you can reach them at 888-463-6332.

I usually take matters into my own hands and research any new medication that my family is prescribed, I also check the interactions with any existing medications. When it comes to medical issues, and medical, you usually have to be your own advocate. Some people blindly follow their doctor's instructions regarding anything, without double checking and I don't think that is ever a good approach.

Does anyone else have an opinion to voice on the matter?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hello Joann from Portland Oregon~"I" think that it partly boils down to $$$$. And Verwon is correct also, in the fact that some meds are made to be better. As with ALL meds, there is NO "one med; fits all" so you basically have to read about them & make sure they won't interact with you OR any other meds you're on.

As far as reaching out to the FDA & the CDC, I suppose calling can't hurt, although I'm not sure how much good it will do either. If you're on Twitter, post your story to them on their page...but those are really the only options I can see to do.

Side Note~since I'm a Chronic Pain Patient, I've devoted my Twitter page to the current fake "opioid crisis" along with MANY other CPP'S to raise awareness that what the CDC & Andrew Kolodny has done to hurt the Drs. ability to effectively treat THEIR patients. Best of luck to you!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Drugs have different effects on different people. Medications taken off the market may have proven safe in drug trials all medications go through but when taken for long periods have proven unsafe. Like you've stated liver damage, heart, intestinal, pancreatic problems may not show up till years later so are taken off the market. This doesn't mean every person who took the medication will have problems but a certain percentage will. Like I said all drugs have to go through trials and at the time were considered safe or the benefits were outweighing the risks, but with time that changed. Hope that helped.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Anne (# 3)

You made a good description! The patient should sign understanding of the risks, and it is their responsibility to accept or rejected them. (That would reduce the medical malpractice insurance cost.)
Personally I refuse almost all of them and find an alternative, but I do not blame the doctor for following their education and license requirement. (I would have been dead already four times if I believe what they are trained to conclude.)

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I have been on pain meds forever. Just got Gabapentin 100 mg 2 a day. It has stopped the intense pain I had I my leg and back. I wonder if I am going to build a resistance to it. Also is this low dose with side effects?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Marlene (# 5)

Gabapentin aka Neurontin can be a good choice for pain. It is especially good for nerve pain. 100 mg. is a relatively low dose. 300 mgs. Twice a day is an average dose but usually for other diagnosis. It doesn't have have the tendency to loose its effectiveness when used for long periods. Sometimes an increase in dose may be needed just because the pain may have increased. It actually works better after being used for a few weeks. If it's working for you that's great. I used it a few years back and found it worked for me also but the side effects for me were the draw back. Good luck.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

AMEN!! IT WORKS!! So does Motilium, which I NEED!! Have to order from Canada. Big Pharma is making a killing on KILLING

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Anne (# 6)

What are the side effects? Maybe I don't notice them. Hate to think I may be acting odd and don't even know it.?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hello, I noticed that Sandoz is manufacturing Lorazepam again.. (the has stopeed for 2-3 years now). I am wondering if a...

24 REPLIES

I have taken 30mg of Lexapro for past 4 years. After the deaths of my son and his wife in a plane crash the depression a...

178 REPLIES

I just filled a prescription for 90 greenstone 2 milligram Alprazolam and they seem to be working just fine. As a matter...

3 REPLIES

I had arthroscopic surgery on my Rt. Knee (meniscus) back on Sept.29, 2015. I am 48, non-smoker, non-drinker and had thi...

4 REPLIES

I am 65 years old and hypertensive for last 30/35 years. I am under medication for long and presently taking Listril-SM ...

4 REPLIES

I have a rheumatoid condition and am prescribed both Oxycodone and Tramadol. I alternate between them, not wishing to be...

4 REPLIES

Is a pink pill with cor135 and a blue pill with N008 the same medication ## Hello, Red! How are you? No, these are not t...

1 REPLY

I Take 20 Mg XR capsule Amphetamine Salts. They Used To Be Orange capsules but Now it is a blue capsule. What 's The...

3 REPLIES

My father was prescribed Citicholine(Somazina). I found that 1000mg of Citicholine was too harsh from him. He is sufferi...

3 REPLIES

Am getting slimmer which drugs and foods will i be taking to make me fat abit? ## Hi Ose, From a nutritional standpoint,...

2 REPLIES