Have you seen
one of these commercials on television recently? Pharmaceutical companies
are manufacturing potentially wonderful drugs. But when they advertise,
they are required by law to tell their audience about possible harmful
side effects. These commercials are usually hosted by a very friendly
guy with a very soothing voice. Apparently the manufacturers think
the mention of these side effects by Mr. Friendly will make them seem not
as bad. One commercial even stars Chuck Wagner - “Auto Man” himself.
Shortly into these
commercials, you will hear phrases like “This drug...may not be for everyone”,
or “...is not for pregnant women”. Big deal. These are fairly
normal. But keep listening, you'll hear warnings like “...may cause
the heart to suddenly stop pumping, especially in males over 50.”.
Or “...studies have shown that some patients have collapsed to the floor,
kicking and writhing in pain while clutching their chests and gasping for
air...”! These warnings are read as casually as if they were features
on a new automobile.
The next time one
of these commercials airs while you are watching, take a moment and really
listen to what is being said. You might be surprised, or even frightened!
Some of these drugs sound like the medicinal equivalent of Saturday Night
Live's Happy Fun Ball. “Please discontinue use of this drug if one
or more of the following symptoms occur: shortness of breath, fever,
nervousness, profuse sweating, vertigo, heart palpitations, dizziness,
cold sweats, hot sweats, vomiting, cramping, itching, rashes, increased
heart rate, extremely high blood pressure...”
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