Blogcritics Comments on How Good Are Your Drugs?

Comment by Ruvy in Jerusalem on How Good Are Your Drugs?

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:22:29 EDT

Jack, When dealing with the Sabbath and what may or may not be done, cutting pills apart (I have to split one of the pills I take) is considered "cutting vegetables or herbs" and therefore permitted. I make this point not to bore you all about the rules of the Jewish Sabbath, but to drive home the point that most, if not all, "medicines" are concentrated versions of herbs. Foxglove (digitalis) was used centuries ago to ease heart pain, for example. All of us need to know what the hell we are ingesting. Just because some guy with an M.D. on his wall says "take this" does not mean we should just go along. Just because some Madison Avenue putz hustles Bromo-Seltzer for heartburn does not mean we should would the stuff down. Bromides can be addictive. There are teas and infusions that can help with things like hay fever, Rick, that are a lot healthier than pseudoepinephrine, which raises your blood pressure, among other things. This is a well written article. But I suggest that a diet heavy in water, uncooked fruits and veggies and light in meat is a lot healthier than whatever is the common diet in America these days. Now to take my own advice... "Sweetheart? Can you please pour me a glass of water?"

Comment by Rick Vassar on How Good Are Your Drugs?

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:32:33 EDT

This article does not have to do with either the pharmaceutical manufacturers or the pharmacies. It's the lack of control and oversight as to where this drugs are bought and sold by wholesalers. Blurring the lines in the chain of custody allows for spoilage and adulteration to occur.

Comment by sam on How Good Are Your Drugs?

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:15:40 EDT

The reason pharmacies must now keep all pseudophedrine products behind their counters is federal legislation, it has nothing to do with pharmaceutical companies. The way you wrote your post, you make it sound as though these companies have control over pharmacies. Other than supplying drugs, they have absolutely no control in how things are stored or dealt out.

Comment by gette on How Good Are Your Drugs?

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:34:44 EDT

And when you consider how drugs are railroaded through the FDA approval process...!