** Major Drug Review Research Fails to Disclose Funding Sources **
A meta-analysis combines the results of several studies that address a set of related researchther. Basically, the meta-analysis is a report about several related studies.
Canadian researchers reviewed 29 meta-analyses, which covered data from 509 randomized controlled drug trials. About 62 percent them had their funding sources listed when they were published in the key medical journals. More than two-thirds of them had been supported at least partly by the pharmaceutical industry. It is disturbing that the majority of reports are published by researchers who benefit when the report is good. The fact that some of them reported their conenctions is a step in the right direction. It would be far better if no reseaerchers were financiually dependant on the drug makers. That won't happen, so knowing they may be biased is better than not knowing, until we look at the meta-analysis reports.
The Canadian researchers found that none of the meta-analyses disclosed the original authors' ties to pharmaceutical companies.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
More than one way to deceive readers
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
What is an unapproved cough product?
I hope nobody asks me because I don't know.
This article states, "Consumers who believe they are taking an unapproved prescription cough, cold, or allergy product should contact their health care provider to discuss alternatives."
Decision time! Yogurt or a candy bar?
I've seen those Snickers commercials about "needing a snack". Yeah right! But, wait a minute. Is there actually a place in our diet for sweet treats like a Snickers Bar?
Monday, March 07, 2011
Japan Halts Vaccines After Children Die
READ THE COMMENTS... "... it is simply a question of how many vaccine damaged or dead children do we consider acceptble collateral damage ..."
MAKES ME SHUDDER
Decision time! Yogurt or a candy bar?
When it is time for a treat, I WANT one that is honestly "treat-worthy", not something that is dressed up like something healthy.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
New study links pain relievers to erectile dysfunction
In case you don't want to read the article, I'm posting the names of just a few NSAID products;
• Acetaminophen • Advil • Aleve • Alka-Seltzer • Anacin • Anaprox • Aspirin • Aspirin-free Excedrin • Bextra • Bufferin • Bayer • Celebrex • Excedrin • Ibuprofen • Mediprin • Motrin • Naprelan • Naprosyn • Nuprin • Vioxx
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Another Drug APPROVED for Kids - NOT A GOOD IDEA
The FDA says it is okay to start prescribing even though it’s effectiveness has not been tested beyond nine weeks.
Intuniv (guanfacine) is now available for children, age 4 to 17, diagnosed with ADHD. Merely using stimulants isn't enough. Now they can prescribe an additional drug that lowers blood pressure.
Side effects include: 30-40% sleepiness; 25% headache; 17% reported upper respiratory tract infection; 10% sedation. Other possible side effects that may be an issue: head injury, suicidal ideation.
In one study, 5 participants out of 262 (1.9%) who took Intuniv experienced syncope, or “temporary loss of consciousness.” In layman’s terms, they fainted or blacked out.