Easier language on drug labels
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Dire Warning Not Urged for ADHD Drugs
Associated Press
© 2006 The Washington Post Company
An FDA advisory committee recommended using understandable language on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drug labels rather than using more dire warnings.
The panel believes that more information on labels will help doctors and patients.
Facts:
- ADHD pose cardiovascular and psychiatric risks.
- In 2005 about 3.3 million Americans age 19 and younger used an ADHD drug.
Language Issues:
- What message does the FDA want to give? “Dire warnings” do not answer the question a patient might ask: should I take this drug? “Information” alone does not answer a patient’s question: is this drug good for me?
- How does “easier language to understand” cause “the right decision to be made?”
Comments:
- Do GP’s have sufficient training on prescribing these drugs?
- How are patients supposed to understand the technology and science of these drugs, given the complexity of the drugs? Is it reasonable to expect patients to understand the science behind drugs?
- Is there an alternative drug or treatment?
Bottom-Line:
How much does the “informed” part of the informed-consent cost?
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