[tadd]

KC:
Every drug has side effects. We are complicated systems of systems of systems.

Medication should be between you and your doctor. USE as appropriate! Government should ensure purity and published efficacy.

Two famous examples... COX2 inhibitors. Did a ton of good for a huge number of people (10s of millions). Triggered heart attacks in less than a thousand. Drug was pulled. Thalimaide (sp?). Amazing medication for leprosy. Pulled cause it got tried for morning sickness and lead to birth defects.

There is a patient/doctor relationship. In theory, this should be a meeting of equal minds. However, most tend to just defer and many doctors don't take the time to ensure the patient understands the benefits and risks (they do have other patients to see... and some folks can be dense). Should the doctor be a bartender? Calling a halt when its clear there shouldn't be an issue? I would say yes, as that falls under their oath. Prescribing an opiate for pain isn't the problem. Re-upping that script long after it shouldn't be required doesn't do anyone any good, but get the patient out of the doctors office.