According to an article in U.S News and World Report magazine, 61% of adults use at least one drug to treat a health problem. One in four senior citizens take at least five medications each day. Because of this, "a spike in diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis related to obesity" has taken place. Medications have been life saving, but according to experts many people are taking drugs they don't need, which will cause major consequences later. "Usually new drugs are tested for just three or so years," "a drug's serious side effects might only show up after months or years on the market." Steven Nissen, head of cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic says that "doctors shouldn't be prescribing any drug without considering whether a patients personal risks exceed his or her clear benefits." In 2009, 22% of nursing home residents in Massachusetts were taking antipsychotics without conditions calling for this medication. According to Steven Cummings, director of San Francisco Coordinating Center, "for every 1,000 patients that we treat for 10 years, we'll prevent 100 major fractures." Speaking of those taking medicine for osteoporosis. Changes are planned that by the year 2012, the FDA will install surveillance system which periodically scans medical records for adverse drug effects.
In my opinion, I believe that doctors will prescribe medication to any one without thinking about the side effects. People believe that a pill can solve any of their problems, medical or not. Because it is to easy for people to get a prescription, I agree there's going to be consequences for frequent pill takers. I also think that because of not knowing the side effects over a long period of time, there should be more intense testing done.
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