[Research] 1 in 5 Neurologists unaware of some drug info

[MaryK]

This is a longer version of the story posted on Epilepsy News.

It is hard to believe this many neurologist are unaware of safety risks with aeds.

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-08-neurologists-unaware-safety-anti-epilepsy-drugs.html

 

[epileric]

I don't really think that's too surprising considering that the way things are set up the vast majority of doctors information regarding medications is gotten from pharmaceutical salespeople.

I have to say that I am thrilled to see that John Hopkins has done this study. Hopefully it will at least get people to think about more functional ways of conveying accurate & updated information.

 

[SlimBlue]

The researchers found that 80 percent of respondents knew that the FDA had newly warned that the risk of suicide with newer drugs is 4.3 per 1,000, double what had previously been believed. Seventy percent said they counseled patients about the risk.

Ignoring for the moment the bits about risks being double, and 20% not knowing about it, does that read to anyone else like 80% knew about it but only 70% told their patients? WTF?!

 

[Bernard]

Your local pharmacist is likely more knowledgeable about the drugs you are bring prescribed. We also live in an age where folks with internet access can look up the same info that doctors and pharmacists see on sites like drugs.com

 

[Dignan]

Amen to that. I've literally been in my docs office asking side effect questions and he pulls out his phone and is looking things up.. Meanwhile, I'm thinking, "yeah, I already did that and here is what it says.. now I want YOUR opinion!"