Commentary in The New York Times “Room for Debate” Series on Trying Newly Approved Medications
In an invited commentary as part of The New York Times’ “Room for Debate” series, Public Citizen answers the question, “How do you know whom to trust?” when it comes to drug safety. Dr. Sidney Wolfe urges patients to determine whether the maker of a drug paid for its research and to seek independent advice. Wolfe also advocates following the “seven-year rule,” which advises patients not to take a new drug for at least seven years from the drug’s release date (except in cases of rare “breakthrough” drugs with known advantages over older drugs).
The complete commentary can be viewed at: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/11/17/when-medical-experts-disagree/dont-rush-to-try-new-medication