Drug Test

Last year it was Redux, the do everything obesity drug that was taken off the market because of its association with primary pulmonary hypertension, a rare cardiac disorder. Then just a few weeks ago, Posicor, an antihypertensive medication was taken off due to potentially lethal drug interactions. And just last week, Duract, a pain medication, was taken off the market due to deaths associated with liver toxicity. What do all three have in common? All were introduced and removed from the market after within a year of being approved by the FDA.

A record number of medications were approved last year by the FDA. Why the increase? No one can point to just one reason, but improvement in technology along with a very competitive pharmaceutical market is one place to look for starters. Three medications approved and removed soon after introduction (along with heavy advertising) asks the question if more studies and trials should be conducted. Olestra, the fat substitute, took many years before being approved, Phen-fen was known about since the 1960s to be associated with PPH.

As more former Redux patients are getting echocardiograms to make sure they have not suffered any heart damage, I believe I am going to seriously look at whether to prescribe medications that haven't been out for more than one year. If the FDA can't better regulate these drugs, than I should.

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