http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22847409/
FDA can spend all the time and resources to review anything. They wont get anything right. FDA is the gold Standard which a drug company has to meet. Once they meet the drug is in market, they flood the doctors with their reps who start prescribing irrespective of cost benefit analysis. The concept of indications, patents and generics has caused PHARMA to push limits of ethics and sell their drug. If this study was released 6 months ago , thats 6 months of revenue lost. I can understand why they didnot release the study. If they can drop the pretense of these unbiased studies and let market forces compete.
In terms of benefit, most average people do not need VYTORIN or aggresive lowering of LDL " bad cholesterol " . High risk patients may benefit from aggresive lowering of LDL. Crestor alone can beat Vytorin results in most cases.
VYTORIN is sort of like IPHONE. It's a luxury you probably dont need and may cause accidents since it has more bells and whistles. Probably generic Zocor is enough for most people. If there was free market in medicine, you would see makers of Crestor, Lipitor and Vytorin compete for Individual's health care dollars instead of this convoluted drug companies putting out favorable studies only and providing selective information and cutting deals with third-party insurers to get their drug on Formulary or lower tier and offer coupons for co-pays.
In the meantime, we have these reviews by FDA and Pharma lawyers telling us whats good for us and what drug should be pulled off the market and what warning on drug labels and we will pay insurance premiums and fight with Insurers to pay for drugs based on Corporate deals.
Let organizations like AHA, ACC and AACE review every study and put out opinions or recommendations like Consumer reports or CNET and consumers can make choices with help of physicians.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
How to fix: Health care ?
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/HomeMortgageSavings/HowToFixHealthCare.aspx
If Experts like these are offering Health Care Solution. Health care cost will continue to SPIRAL out of control. Biggest problem is no one seems to be concerned about Quality of Health Care and using terms like Health Care and Health Insurance interchangibly.
Create more choice. I think we need to come up with Private Individual Insurance which people will buy on their own and customize the kind of coverage, deductible and networks on their own. Individuals will need to take responsiblity so that competition for their dollars can lower cost.
Stop fixating on how to cut benefits. Stop treating Health care like a Benefit but more like a service like Car Purchases/repairs or Cell Phone plans. Insurers can add benefits mostly unnecessary and frivolous stuff which raises premium usually paid by Employers or in turn raising employee costs fo benefits which most of them dont need or want.
Pay for performance. This guy doesnt think that patients can find a good doctor who controls their diabetes. Let a patient and his doctor controls his Diabetes and which should lower his risk as well as Insurance Premiums.
Make health insurance more portable: Will give it to the Author. I had Blue Cross PPO plan for a couple for $ 300 in WA and same plan in NJ is $ 3000 . GO figure.
Cut some patient co-pays -- but boost others : Make patients go for treatment which Insurer thinks is right. Co-pays are patient responsbility. Dont limit patient responsibilty in decisions. They should be responsible for their decisions. If cost of care is high , patient decides if its worth it. If they have a deductible, they pay deductible and rest is Insurer's responsibilty.
Lets get rid of experts like this with socialist, communist mentality who got us in this HEALTH CARE MESS in the first place.
If Experts like these are offering Health Care Solution. Health care cost will continue to SPIRAL out of control. Biggest problem is no one seems to be concerned about Quality of Health Care and using terms like Health Care and Health Insurance interchangibly.
Create more choice. I think we need to come up with Private Individual Insurance which people will buy on their own and customize the kind of coverage, deductible and networks on their own. Individuals will need to take responsiblity so that competition for their dollars can lower cost.
Stop fixating on how to cut benefits. Stop treating Health care like a Benefit but more like a service like Car Purchases/repairs or Cell Phone plans. Insurers can add benefits mostly unnecessary and frivolous stuff which raises premium usually paid by Employers or in turn raising employee costs fo benefits which most of them dont need or want.
Pay for performance. This guy doesnt think that patients can find a good doctor who controls their diabetes. Let a patient and his doctor controls his Diabetes and which should lower his risk as well as Insurance Premiums.
Make health insurance more portable: Will give it to the Author. I had Blue Cross PPO plan for a couple for $ 300 in WA and same plan in NJ is $ 3000 . GO figure.
Cut some patient co-pays -- but boost others : Make patients go for treatment which Insurer thinks is right. Co-pays are patient responsbility. Dont limit patient responsibilty in decisions. They should be responsible for their decisions. If cost of care is high , patient decides if its worth it. If they have a deductible, they pay deductible and rest is Insurer's responsibilty.
Lets get rid of experts like this with socialist, communist mentality who got us in this HEALTH CARE MESS in the first place.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Unfavorable drug studies don't get into Print : Report
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080117/us_nm/drugs_studies_dc
That seems to be true till a few days ago. These studies get into media only after the Patents on them have expired. MOST anti-depressants except Lexapro are now available generic. FDA enabled the DRUG industry to sell anti-depressants to the suckers as a QUICK-FIX solution to their emotional problems. Next ones I bet are anti-psychotics which cause significant weight gain and diabetes. Anti-psychotic increase mortality in Elderly but who cares about those poor souls in Nursing Homes except when there is a good NEGLIGENCE story in Nursing homes.
All the stories of last week about drug industry conclude what I realised recently while at the recieving end of health care system. " You get what you pay for ". Lower re-imbursements to doctors have led to them offering convenient and more advise to treat most medical conditons including Cholesterol, Osteoporosis and Depression. They follow guidelines created by Experts in their speciality who seem to keep adding more recommendations of screening and OVER DIAGNOSING conditions and AGGRESSIVELY TREATING these conditions.
UNFORTUNATELY, they don't benefit INDIVIDUALS.
INDIVIDUALS have very little control on their health because getting CARE with INSURANCE means you get what your INSURANCE lets you and no one wants or asks DOCTORS for their advise or COUNSELLING. INDIVIDUALS with little dangerous knowledge either lead doctors or get led by DOCTORS to go the WRONG PATH.
That seems to be true till a few days ago. These studies get into media only after the Patents on them have expired. MOST anti-depressants except Lexapro are now available generic. FDA enabled the DRUG industry to sell anti-depressants to the suckers as a QUICK-FIX solution to their emotional problems. Next ones I bet are anti-psychotics which cause significant weight gain and diabetes. Anti-psychotic increase mortality in Elderly but who cares about those poor souls in Nursing Homes except when there is a good NEGLIGENCE story in Nursing homes.
All the stories of last week about drug industry conclude what I realised recently while at the recieving end of health care system. " You get what you pay for ". Lower re-imbursements to doctors have led to them offering convenient and more advise to treat most medical conditons including Cholesterol, Osteoporosis and Depression. They follow guidelines created by Experts in their speciality who seem to keep adding more recommendations of screening and OVER DIAGNOSING conditions and AGGRESSIVELY TREATING these conditions.
UNFORTUNATELY, they don't benefit INDIVIDUALS.
INDIVIDUALS have very little control on their health because getting CARE with INSURANCE means you get what your INSURANCE lets you and no one wants or asks DOCTORS for their advise or COUNSELLING. INDIVIDUALS with little dangerous knowledge either lead doctors or get led by DOCTORS to go the WRONG PATH.
Minn. Health System Purges Drug Trinkets
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080119/drug_trinket_roundup.html
Drug companies are just trying to make new products and sell them. PHARMA guidelines were established which failed misearbly. Any third party interference will fail and not help the consumer. Let the FREE MARKETS rule. Lets get rid of patents and generics. Let the drug companies convince the patients that these medicines are worth $ 100 a month or whatever . they offer patients rebate of their co-pays and convince the doctors that they are Preferred or in Insurance Formulary. Let a Doctor spend time with a patient and convince him that spending Hundreds of dollars a month is good for health and see if they can generate enough business. Peddling Doctors office and misleading the consumer with superfluous ads with is very similar to Crony Capitalism. Govt, FDA and PHARMA regualtions are increasing cost of health care and not getting much benefit to the patients.
Drug companies are just trying to make new products and sell them. PHARMA guidelines were established which failed misearbly. Any third party interference will fail and not help the consumer. Let the FREE MARKETS rule. Lets get rid of patents and generics. Let the drug companies convince the patients that these medicines are worth $ 100 a month or whatever . they offer patients rebate of their co-pays and convince the doctors that they are Preferred or in Insurance Formulary. Let a Doctor spend time with a patient and convince him that spending Hundreds of dollars a month is good for health and see if they can generate enough business. Peddling Doctors office and misleading the consumer with superfluous ads with is very similar to Crony Capitalism. Govt, FDA and PHARMA regualtions are increasing cost of health care and not getting much benefit to the patients.
OSTEOPOROSIS DRUGS are overprescribed !!!!!!
http://www.yahoo.com/s/787060
Another Scam !!!!!!!
BONIVA ad on TV is so bad that inspite of being a CAPITALIST. I cannot defend it. It only prevents vertebral fractures and not HIP fractures which are more serious.
Fosamax and Actonel are wrongly prescribed which people take for variety of reasons. help with BONE HEALTH and everything else.
THEY are good only to lower risk of fracture in Elderly frail women who are at risk for Falls who have OSTEOPOROSIS and not MILD OSTEOPENIA. Middle aged women taking the drug for BONE HEALTH get minimal benefit.
Another Scam !!!!!!!
BONIVA ad on TV is so bad that inspite of being a CAPITALIST. I cannot defend it. It only prevents vertebral fractures and not HIP fractures which are more serious.
Fosamax and Actonel are wrongly prescribed which people take for variety of reasons. help with BONE HEALTH and everything else.
THEY are good only to lower risk of fracture in Elderly frail women who are at risk for Falls who have OSTEOPOROSIS and not MILD OSTEOPENIA. Middle aged women taking the drug for BONE HEALTH get minimal benefit.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Who's getting abortions?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22689931/
“It doesn’t just happen to young people, it doesn’t necessarily have to do with irresponsibility,” said Miriam Inocencio, president of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island. “Women face years and years of reproductive life after they’ve completed their families, and they’re at risk of an unintended pregnancy that can create an economic strain.”
so, I guess PEOPLE can make HEALTH CARE DECISIONS based on their own. THEY DONT NEED CONGRESS, COURTS OR PLANNED PARENTHOOD to help them with their decisions.
“It doesn’t just happen to young people, it doesn’t necessarily have to do with irresponsibility,” said Miriam Inocencio, president of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island. “Women face years and years of reproductive life after they’ve completed their families, and they’re at risk of an unintended pregnancy that can create an economic strain.”
so, I guess PEOPLE can make HEALTH CARE DECISIONS based on their own. THEY DONT NEED CONGRESS, COURTS OR PLANNED PARENTHOOD to help them with their decisions.
Anti-smoking'" CHANTIX "drug gets revised warning
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22728514/
"Basically there was an evolution of thinking of where it would be best to place (the advice) on the label," Pfizer Vice President for Medical Affairs Ponni Subbiah said in an interview.
Pfizer's Lawyers think that it will lower their risk.
Why should Personal Injury Lawyers be left behind ?
"Basically there was an evolution of thinking of where it would be best to place (the advice) on the label," Pfizer Vice President for Medical Affairs Ponni Subbiah said in an interview.
Pfizer's Lawyers think that it will lower their risk.
Why should Personal Injury Lawyers be left behind ?
Vytorin controversy confuses patients, doctors
Vytorin controversy confuses patients, doctors
http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN1724407220080117
This Headline says it all.
FDA approves the DRUG. NCEP sets up guidelines for Target LDL and the whole country starts popping pills to lower Cholesterol levels. DRUG companies make money , INSURERS raise premiums and SUCKERS stay in CORPORATE or GOVT/UNION jobs which provide Health Insurance to pay to LOWER CHOLESTEROLS.
END RESULT : WHO KNOWS !!!!!!!!!!!
Doctors treat CHOLESTEROL numbers like COPS treat SPEED LIMITS. Any thing slightly high, You get a TICKET ( I mean STATIN prescription) irrespective of risk profile of cholesterol or medicines required.
http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN1724407220080117
This Headline says it all.
FDA approves the DRUG. NCEP sets up guidelines for Target LDL and the whole country starts popping pills to lower Cholesterol levels. DRUG companies make money , INSURERS raise premiums and SUCKERS stay in CORPORATE or GOVT/UNION jobs which provide Health Insurance to pay to LOWER CHOLESTEROLS.
END RESULT : WHO KNOWS !!!!!!!!!!!
Doctors treat CHOLESTEROL numbers like COPS treat SPEED LIMITS. Any thing slightly high, You get a TICKET ( I mean STATIN prescription) irrespective of risk profile of cholesterol or medicines required.
Monday, June 20, 2005
"It's not a cookie-cutter approach,"
Dr. Eric Prystowsky, an Indianapolis physician and a member of Guidant's medical advisory board, said patients who have defibrillators for preventive reasons might not need them replaced immediately. Others, who rely on electrical shocks from the devices several times a year, will be more likely to need replacement surgery.
"It's not a cookie-cutter approach," said Prystowsky.
Well said !!!! Insider info : This guy is a salesman for GUIDANT ...
"It's not a cookie-cutter approach," said Prystowsky.
Well said !!!! Insider info : This guy is a salesman for GUIDANT ...
Patients Call Doctors After Guidant Recall
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-06-20-guidant-qna_x.htm
This is really scary. I cannot believe this would ever happen. 2 deaths. recall of 29,000 defibrillators. I was unhappy about recall of cars. this requires all the risks of the procedure again. Guidant needs Quality Assurance lessons . Try Mcdonald or Walmart. Microsoft reliability wont do in this business.
This is really scary. I cannot believe this would ever happen. 2 deaths. recall of 29,000 defibrillators. I was unhappy about recall of cars. this requires all the risks of the procedure again. Guidant needs Quality Assurance lessons . Try Mcdonald or Walmart. Microsoft reliability wont do in this business.
Mom was Right about Vitamins
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-folic-acid-brain,1,2688499.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines&ctrack=2&cset=true
Taking large amounts of folic acid improved the memory of older adults, Dutch scientists reported Monday in the first study to show a vitamin pill might slow the mental decline of aging. The research adds to mounting evidence that a diet higher in folate -- a B vitamin found in grains and certain dark-colored fruits and vegetables -- is important for a variety of diseases. It's proven to lower women's risk of devastating birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, and research suggests it helps ward off heart disease and strokes, too.
I always wondered if those multi vitamins which people take religiously really provide any benefits. Some of these studies are really helpful.Thaimine (B1) in protecting brain especially alcoholics and folic acid for pre-pregnant women in preventing Neurat Tube defects. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are still waiting for some studies to push their case.
Taking large amounts of folic acid improved the memory of older adults, Dutch scientists reported Monday in the first study to show a vitamin pill might slow the mental decline of aging. The research adds to mounting evidence that a diet higher in folate -- a B vitamin found in grains and certain dark-colored fruits and vegetables -- is important for a variety of diseases. It's proven to lower women's risk of devastating birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, and research suggests it helps ward off heart disease and strokes, too.
I always wondered if those multi vitamins which people take religiously really provide any benefits. Some of these studies are really helpful.Thaimine (B1) in protecting brain especially alcoholics and folic acid for pre-pregnant women in preventing Neurat Tube defects. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are still waiting for some studies to push their case.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Therapies: T.M. for Your B.P.? Hmmm . . .
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/03/health/03thera.html?
Transcedental Meditation is my favorite relaxation exercise. I am not very successful in maintaining this for a very long time. 18 year old study is impressive. I am sure everyone with blood pressure should try this and see if it calms you and mae you feel relaxed.
Transcedental Meditation has been shown to "CURE" anecdotal cases of Laryngeal Cancer.
I am sure its a pretty harmless when used in combination with other measures to lower Cardio-vascular mortality.
Transcedental Meditation is my favorite relaxation exercise. I am not very successful in maintaining this for a very long time. 18 year old study is impressive. I am sure everyone with blood pressure should try this and see if it calms you and mae you feel relaxed.
Transcedental Meditation has been shown to "CURE" anecdotal cases of Laryngeal Cancer.
I am sure its a pretty harmless when used in combination with other measures to lower Cardio-vascular mortality.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Byetta :FDA OKs Lizard-Derived Shot for Diabetes
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/29/AR2005042900787_pf.html
Congrats to Amylin Pharma and their team for achieving approval from FDA.
only 9-10 months after the trial results were released.
A drug which is a brand new class mimics incretin and slows gastric emptying and absorption of blood sugar. A tribute to private enterprise to develop a novel new compound with unique properties. You can use this instead of Insulin in Type 2 diabetics. Only problem is if you dont want to inject Insulin, why would you want to inject something with 44 % chance of causing nausea. I expect this to be more expensive than atleast older Insulins and Lantus.
I doubt this is going to be a hit. Its going down like STARLIX and PRANDIN !!!
Lets just applaud the success of mankind against Diabetes.
Congrats to Amylin Pharma and their team for achieving approval from FDA.
only 9-10 months after the trial results were released.
A drug which is a brand new class mimics incretin and slows gastric emptying and absorption of blood sugar. A tribute to private enterprise to develop a novel new compound with unique properties. You can use this instead of Insulin in Type 2 diabetics. Only problem is if you dont want to inject Insulin, why would you want to inject something with 44 % chance of causing nausea. I expect this to be more expensive than atleast older Insulins and Lantus.
I doubt this is going to be a hit. Its going down like STARLIX and PRANDIN !!!
Lets just applaud the success of mankind against Diabetes.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
What is Lunesta?
"LunestaTM (eszopiclone) is a new prescription sleep aid that can give you and your restless mind the sleep you need. Lunesta is the first and only prescription sleep aid approved for long-term use" Its availabe in 3 doses. 1,2,3 mg http://www.lunesta.com/
drugstore.com http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/drugindex/rxsearch.asp?search=lunesta has all 3 doses priced at $98.99 for 30 days.
$ 3.30 for a good night sleep !!!!!!!!!!
Sounds like a good safe drug. If clinical experience is good and turns out to be a safe drug.
It should go OTC like PRILOSEC n CLARITIN in next few years !!!!!!!!!
drugstore.com http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/drugindex/rxsearch.asp?search=lunesta has all 3 doses priced at $98.99 for 30 days.
$ 3.30 for a good night sleep !!!!!!!!!!
Sounds like a good safe drug. If clinical experience is good and turns out to be a safe drug.
It should go OTC like PRILOSEC n CLARITIN in next few years !!!!!!!!!
Herceptin Shows Benefits in Early Stage Breast Cancer
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Herceptin_Shows_Benefits_in_Early_Stage_Breast_Cancer.asp
"Genentech said it would approach the US Food and Drug Administration about approving Herceptin for use in early stage breast cancer patients"
A truly great results for this drug and Breast Cancer patients. FDA would take its sweet time to review the findings and go through bureaucratic motions. Since drug is already being marketed for late stage cancer, I am sure Oncologist would start prescribing Herceptin for patients with Early Stage cancer. Call your Oncologist !!!
"Genentech said it would approach the US Food and Drug Administration about approving Herceptin for use in early stage breast cancer patients"
A truly great results for this drug and Breast Cancer patients. FDA would take its sweet time to review the findings and go through bureaucratic motions. Since drug is already being marketed for late stage cancer, I am sure Oncologist would start prescribing Herceptin for patients with Early Stage cancer. Call your Oncologist !!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Patients Who Ask Doc for Drugs Get Them
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,154697,00.html
This is a really deceptive study.
Biggest flaw with study is that Diagnosis of Depression is based on subjective symptoms. There is no objectivity to diagnosis . If you tell a doctor that you are depressed and its affecting your sleeping and eating and you are tired and lack motivation for anything in life, you get the diagnosis of DEPRESSION. any of SSRIs are essentially standard of care. If a patient wants to take PAXIL one of 7-8 SSRIs, what the problem ? Its as simple as choosing any other consumer item.
Studies like these in media are bad for us and not Drug Industry advertising.
This is a really deceptive study.
Biggest flaw with study is that Diagnosis of Depression is based on subjective symptoms. There is no objectivity to diagnosis . If you tell a doctor that you are depressed and its affecting your sleeping and eating and you are tired and lack motivation for anything in life, you get the diagnosis of DEPRESSION. any of SSRIs are essentially standard of care. If a patient wants to take PAXIL one of 7-8 SSRIs, what the problem ? Its as simple as choosing any other consumer item.
Studies like these in media are bad for us and not Drug Industry advertising.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Welcome to Capitalist Doc Blog
I am a doctor who wants to practice medicine without interference from state and practice medicine in free world. This blog supports principles of free market capitalism in Health Care. Health care decisions and choices in hands of Individual and not groups like Congress , Employers and Insurers. I will be post comments on events in field of Health Care and explain that free market capitalism is only way to Quality Healthcare for all.
Please feel free to email your questions and comments.
Thanks for dropping by !
Please feel free to email your questions and comments.
Thanks for dropping by !
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