Prescription drugs kill

Prescription drugs kill

Prescription drugs might not kill you, but this much is certain: They do kill. And the death toll is on the rise.

A remarkable new study appeared in the Archives of Internal Medicine last month. Researchers at the Institute for Safe Medication Practices analyzed all of the serious adverse drug events and medication errors reported to the FDA from 1998 through 2005.

The results:

Serious adverse drug events increased more than 2.5 times during the study period – from 34,966 events to more than 89,800 events

Fatal adverse drug events increased 2.7 times – from 5,519 to more than 15,000

These are alarming statistics. But two factors make them even more distressing: 1) These were only the events reported to the FDA – the actual number of adverse events is assumed to be much higher, and 2) The increase in reported serious events was FOUR TIMES higher than the increase in number of prescriptions written.

In the conclusion to their study, the authors note: “These results illustrate the need for improved systems to manage the risks of prescription drugs.”

Okay – here’s an idea for improved risk-management: Before prescribing drugs, prescribe an alternative therapy instead. If the alternative doesn’t work, then move on to drugs if both patient and doctor feel that’s necessary. This plan wouldn’t put an end to adverse events and fatal reactions to drugs, but you can be certain it would bring the curve down.

Sources:
“Serious Adverse Drug Events Reported to the Food and Drug Administration, 1998- 2005” Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol. 167, No. 16, 9/10/07, archinte.ama-assn.org