Why in the world would women NOT want to take a dangerous drug?

This one’s a real head-scratcher… (…note the sarcasm light is lit).

Researchers can’t fathom why Tamoxifen use is down among women who are prime candidates for the breast cancer prevention drug.

A recent examination of survey data shows that Tamoxifen use has dropped sharply since 2000. Why are women backing away from a drug that’s supposed to be a lifesaver? Could it be lack of education? Lack of physician awareness of availability? Prescription reluctance?

Or could it be the most glaringly obvious reason?

There was a time when a drug like Tamoxifen would be used without a second thought. Doctors would prescribe it and women would take it. But that was back when Modern Medicine was a source of miracles.

Welcome to the age of information.

Today when a doctor prescribes a drug like Tamoxifen, any patient with a computer, a Blackberry, an iPhone, etc., can get on Google, Ask.com, Bing, etc., and quickly access a complete, unfiltered lowdown of any drug.

So in the case of Tamoxifen, here’s what a woman with Internet access will instantly find: a full range of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of energy, mood swings, depression, weight gain, hot flashes, risk of deep-vein thrombosis, risk of pulmonary embolism, and risk of endometrial cancer.

In fact, Tamoxifen is actually listed as a potential cancer-causing agent by California’s Environmental Protection Agency.

Why are women turning and running from Tamoxifen?

Here’s the real mystery: Why is anyone even asking?

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson

Source:
“Tamoxifen Use Down” Ivanhoe Newswire, 2/10/10, ivanhoe.com