Overdosed America

[USCguy]

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Have any of you read the book Overdosed America by Dr. John Abramson. I just finished it this morning. I found it very interesting. Just wondering what others thought of/took from this book.

 

[idoc2b]

I've heard of this book and just did a quick search on reviews for the book. I work in clinical research and took some coursework regarding new drug development at a pharmacy college. Some of the issues that were identified in the book are regulated by the FDA and are issues that drug companies have to take into consideration when designing trials. There are many people involved in running a trial and from what i've seen (i've worked in insutry a little over 3 years), if something is considered a little biased, most researchers (project managers, statisticians, data managers, regulatory, monitors, etc) will be more conservative in order to keep the results valid. Regarding pharmaceutical marketing and sales, I think patients/consumers really have to be careful about believing what is advertised (and this goes across the board in our society).

 

[infiniti]

I think the book was good. If nothing else, it makes you more critical of everything you hear from pharmaceutical companies. It also encourage patients to take a more active role in their medical care.

After reading that book, I started paying attention to funding source/any possible listed conflict of interest whenever I read a journal/research paper. You'do surprised about some of the things you normally don't notice!

I've heard of this book and just did a quick search on reviews for the book. I work in clinical research and took some coursework regarding new drug development at a pharmacy college. Some of the issues that were identified in the book are regulated by the FDA and are issues that drug companies have to take into consideration when designing trials. There are many people involved in running a trial and from what i've seen (i've worked in insutry a little over 3 years), if something is considered a little biased, most researchers (project managers, statisticians, data managers, regulatory, monitors, etc) will be more conservative in order to keep the results valid. Regarding pharmaceutical marketing and sales, I think patients/consumers really have to be careful about believing what is advertised (and this goes across the board in our society).

 

[webdesigner]

I never have heard that, what the book about?





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[tibor75]

It's a good book. Although I disagreed with his take on statins as I think the majority of evidence indicates they are quite useful and necessary in a number of patients and have reduced the risk of MI.

Then again, a study likes ASTEROID comes out and stupid doctors start prescribing Crestor for no good reason.

Another good book which I think is better is "On the Take" by the former editor in chief of NEJM.