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Michael Jackson part 2: side effects and warning labels
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As the investigation into the death of Michael Jackson is progressing, the current suspicion is that the drug Demerol contributed, if not caused, his heart failure. While the assumption seems to be it there was an overdose, in reading the side effects and warnings of this drug, it is clear that complications should be expected with the drug regardless of the dosage. The drugs.com website clearly lists respiratory arrest, shock and cardiac arrest as possible hazards of injected Demerol. In truth, adverse reactions should be expected with any pharmaceutical, even Eli Lilly, founder of one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the country was quoted as saying “a drug with no side effects is no drug at all”.
Consider this: One source reports that as many as 50% of all drugs introduced on the market are pulled within ten years. It seems we hear weekly of another drug linked to significant adverse effects or pulled from the market. For example just in the last few days Bloomberg news reported Accutane, an acne treatment that has been used by 13 million people, was being removed from the market after users who experienced adverse side effects had successfully sued the company receiving tens of millions of dollars and the Washington Post reported that there is a unexplained connection between children on ADHD meds like Ritalin and Adderall and sudden death. The FDA reported that the risk of sudden death was minimal, only 1 in 10,000 children, and was outweighed by the benefits of the drugs. But with 2.5 million children taking these drugs that is 250 families at risk of losing their child.
While the pharmaceutical companies tell you to discuss any recommended medications thoroughly with your doctor and carefully weigh the benefits against the risks before deciding if it is the right treatment, few people actually do. It is also important to remember that your doctor is receiving his or her information on the drug from the pharmaceutical company reps who are likely delivering the information over complementary lunches, muffin baskets or more.
As a Naturopath, one of the things I really encourage people to do before taking any medications is to investigate natural options that may be less harmful first. While herbal remedies are considered to be less effective than pharmaceuticals, in some cases, the reverse has actually been proven true. Taking antibiotics for a virus won't kill the virus but it may kill healthy bacteria that your body needs to support your immune system while fighting the virus. Natural treatments for depression and children's behavioral problems such as ADHD have proven to be effective without side effects.
If you do have an adverse reaction, take it seriously and be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Dizziness can lead to falls and accidents, nausea can prevent you from taking or keeping down other vital medications, Some medications need to be tapered off, stopping suddenly may create a more dramatic or different problem. Most importantly, before putting anything in your body, pharmaceutical or natural, do you homework. Don't trust your doctor, your friend or a TV ad to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about what is the best treatment for you.
For More Information:
http://www.drugs.com/demerol.html
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/15/AR2009061502833.html
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