Prescriptions for Disaster: Hidden Dangers in Your Medicine Cabinet

This is a great book about prescription medicines and the people who make billions of dollars pushing these drugs at the public. Thomas J. Moore is qualified to write on this issue. He has spent six years researching and writing about the safety of prescription drugs as a senior fellow in health policy at the George Washington University Medical Center. This book was written in 1998. However, almost all of the information in the book is still relevent. Most of the problems identified in the book have not been resolved and some are even worse. For a similar book on this subject released in 2004, see my review on "Overdosed America: The Broken Promise Of American Medicine" by John Abramson. You will learn about many amazing facts in "Prescription For Disaster." I will list some of them for you. Be sure to read the book to learn about all of the issues involved. 1. You are about ten times more likely to be hospitalized by a side affect of a prescription drug than by an automobile accident. 2. Many doctors do not tell patients about the adverse effects of the medicines that they prescribe. 3. Almost half of medicines prescribed caused cancer in animals, often at or near the human dose. 4. Learn about how one extra tablet of a medicine for hives killed the patient. 5. Of the top 50 prescribed drugs, 7 can cause addiction, 18 have cancer risks, 18 are unusually toxic and 25 have cardiac risks.

Utterly accurate, mild in tone, this book sets out in simple language (backed up by solid citations to peer-reviewed journals) how those of us with some intelligence can minimize the damage from prescription drugs. From p179: "One wonders how the drug industry could be surprised that the consumer information plan focused 'on the hazards that drugs may present.' This was exactly the information being denied to consumers. Evidence that the real goal of the PhRMA and the AMA was to continue to keep consumers in the dark could be seen..."

This book is extensively reasearched, and a very balanced work on what goes on in the medical field. Literally a lifesaving book...if hazards are listed on the package labeling, the consumer is held to be informed about side effects of the medication...Mr. Moore explains the dangers of prescription drugs, how to decode the package insert, and does so in a very readable format. I am sorry that the rest of his books seem to be out of print.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone concerned about the safety of the drugs they use. This book had two important messages for me, first, that I need to take control of my own use of prescription, and over the counter, medications and be sure that I know their strengths and weaknesses. And to be watchful for adverse side effects and drug interactions. And second, that this country's drug safety program is woefully inadequate and ill equipped to deal with the harm that drugs can cause, even when used properly and under the care of a physician. I have read Mr. Moore's previous books and I have found him to be right on the mark and a step ahead of the pack, watch for drug safety to become a big issue.

Rx for Disaster documents the potential good as well as the side effects & harmful drug interactions of many of the newer legitimate designer pharmaceuticals. If you are interested in improving your understanding and taking control of the Rx medications prescribed for you, this book is a must. It is well written and factual by Thomas J. Moore, an experienced medical researcher. The book provides insight and understanding, as well as a road map for learning about the Rx medication that you are taking. You can better interact with your doctor and pharmacist after you have read this book.