I tell my patients there are three types of science: 1) investigative science, which sometimes gets it right; 2) science in the courtroom, which is junk science; and 3) science in Washington, D.C., which is political science. Our decisions are based on art and science; our patients’ medications are brought to market based on science….
(Reuters Health)—The proportion of older Americans taking at least five medications or supplements went up in a recent study. The increase in people using multiple medications paralleled an increase in the number of older Americans at risk for major drug interactions, researchers found. “That’s a concern from a public health standpoint, because it’s getting worse,”…
(Reuters Health)—When patients have drug benefits that encourage them to save money by using certain pharmacies, they may end up filling more prescriptions, a company-funded study suggests. Narrow pharmacy networks that cover prescriptions only at certain retailers and drug benefits that offer consumers lower out-of-pocket fees at a subset of preferred pharmacies have become more…
A recent British study concluded that determining a rheumatoid arthritis patient’s personal beliefs about medication could aid rheumatologists in regularly addressing medication adherence during visits.
Lack of efficacy, poor DAS scores may be misinterpreted as a drug failure
Tips for stocking up on medications, providing comprehensive health history to new physicians and coping with stress
High health insurance deductibles, physician charges, medication expenses spur patients to seek less costly lab testing, surgical procedures, prescription drugs
Rheumatologist denounces common practice as a time-draining impediment to patient care
Foundation appeals to Congressional lawmakers for support of biomedical innovation to battle lupus
Medications removed from legitimate supply channels can affect both physician and patient.