This publication is based on the peer-reviewed paper written for ACSH by Steven Marks, Weighing Benefits and Risks in Pharmaceutical Use: A Consumer's Guide and was adapted by Aubrey Stimola.
INTRODUCTION:
Where our health is concerned, “zero risk” seems to be the only risk acceptable to most Americans. Nothing we do, however, is entirely without risk. To varying degrees, risk is inherent in everything, from riding the bus to walking to work, from playing sports to being too inactive. Many of us take great care to avoid certain risks. We look both ways crossing the street, buckle up in crash-resistant SUVs, wear helmets, and try to follow the latest dietary advice--be it low-carb, no-carb, avoiding trans-fats, limiting alcohol consumption, or eating antioxidant-rich foods. We try to get enough exercise and to drink plenty of fluids. We do these things with the primary objective of reducing our chances of illness, injury, or premature death.
Despite the fact that all medications--including natural remedies and over-the counter drugs--carry some degree of risk, our desire to avoid risk tends to be especially intense when it comes to prescription drugs. We simply dont know what information to trust. And who can blame us when consumer advocates, politicians, and trial lawyers are quick to capitalize on the latest sensational media headlines alleging that your medications may be unsafe? Media hype can unnecessarily intensify our fear and intolerance of even small, highly-improbable risks, and lead us to discard our pills. Unfortunately, doing so can subject us to far greater health risks--such as pain, disability, or even death.
In this brochure, the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) will attempt to alleviate the widespread anxiety about prescription drug safety by revealing misperceptions about risk.
Our objectives are to help consumers:
- understand the key elements in decision-making that involves weighing benefits and risks,
- cut through sensationalism and lack of context in media reporting about the safety of particular medications,
- ask the right questions of their health care providers.
Key to this discussion is understanding that the risks posed by any medication cannot be judged in isolation. Just as hearing only one side of a telephone conversation will prevent listeners from fully understanding the topic at hand, you cannot weigh risks without also weighing benefits.
BELOW IS A TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE FULL REPORT, WHICH CAN BE ORDERED -- OR DOWNLOADED FOR FREE -- AT THE RIGHT MARGIN.
