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Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom  Ever research how many MILLIONS of people die from your "safer" medicine? I'd encourage you to do this before making a blanket, generalized statement like this. Imo, this can be a very dangerous opinion to ascribe to if you really believe this.  EXACTLY. Any of us who've spent 2 minutes working in the medical field have a responsibility to be honest about just how many people die and/or have severe side effects from these "safe, scientifically tested" meds every single solitary day. Let's not pretend that the FDA isn't a colossal mess, as it has been for decades, that is actually run by former drug company executives!!! If that's not a racket - a serious conflict of interest entity - then I don't know what is. "Scientifically tested" and "approved by the FDA" does NOT = just plain safe. It means it's safe for a majority and that's an important distinction to those in the minority who either die from the drug or have severe / debilitating side effects. |
Well said in that yours is a balanced view of the pros/cons of approved medication as it pertains to the masses and the minorities. It is important to be well-informed re: any medicinal option with respect to efficacy, side effects and risk vs benefit analysis.
It is important to remember that marketed medication is tested under rigorous conditions before approval (hence some of the long approval times for meds like Alzheimer's etc) but cannot take into account every potential eventuality in every individual circumstance. Also, we have to admit that research is funded by pharmaceutical companies so there is a conflict of interest to a degree. (Arguably, a large degree in some instances).
However, the danger with some 'natural' or 'holistic' alternatives is that the research there can be even more limited.
Therefore, it is important to make evidence based decisions and one can only do this by researching on the basis of empirical research conclusions AND personal circumstance.
For example, NSAIDS (like ibuprofen) are said to be just as effective as morphine in pain relief. This is great! A 'proven' pain reliever, which is cheap and easily obtainable by the population. However, further research shows that NSAIDS should not be used by certain populations i.e. those on other medications or who have co-morbidities such as gastritis, for example. Therefore, although this particular 'proven' medicine is great for the MASSES it can have dire consequences for the minority.