by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

The FDA released a public statement that pill splitting may be hazardous to your health.  They advise against the growing practice of asking your doctor for a tablet twice the strength you need, then halving it to make two doses. My Family Doctor has advocated this in the past as a way to save money.

They cite four reasons “why splitting is risky.”

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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Last week Congress passed a bill that gave the FDA regulating authority over tobacco. The president is sure to sign it. It is supposed to be a blow to the tobacco industry and their advertising efforts. No more flavored tobacco or “light cigarette” claims.

But I have a few questions: (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

The FDA has become concerned about an increase in deaths from “accidental” narcotics overdoses.  Apparently, the powers that be have come to recognize what we docs have known all along: Not all who ask for prescription narcotics use them in the manner prescribed, and some will do anything for their “fix.” (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Have you ever had an X-ray?  Probably so.  What would modern medicine be without them?  I can’t count the times I’ve seen a kid with a hurt wrist thinking it was a sprain but I ordered an X-ray just in case and surprise, surprise.  There’s a little fracture.

But sometimes we might depend on them a little too much.  (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

I recently wrote about why drug ads are the way they are. Lo and behold, a study comes out that suggests perhaps a change is in order.

The FDA recognizes we need better quality drug direct-to-consumer ads.  Several groups, including the Institute of Medicine, have called for better information conveying benefits versus adverse effects in these ads.

From a sponsor’s standpoint, ads are for one reason: to sell products.  Regulators are there to make sure these ads aren’t misleading, but don’t want to place undue restrictions that cause ads (and their money) to disappear.  So where is the middle ground?

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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Have you ever been watching one of those ads for prescription drugs touting how wonderful the drug is … then they go into detail about side effects like may it may cause blurred vision, anal leakage, heart palpitations, blindness, maybe death?  Why do they do that?  You don’t see it on all drug ads, just some.  Are these drug companies just more open and truthful than others?

Stay tuned for “the rest of the story.”
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