|
|
Article: PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW SIDE EFFECTS OF DRUGS
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- January 10, 1995
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
|
One reason why doctors often fail to warn patients about potential
side effects of drugs is fear of the power of suggestion. Telling
patients about possible side effects, it is supposed, may lead to an
increased incidence of those very side effects.
False alarm, reports a new study by three Milwaukee doctors. They
found that informing patients fully about possible side effects of
three common medications does not make them any more or less likely
to feel those side effects.
"This should not be a reason for physicians to avoid warning
patients of potential side effects," they concluded.
Previous studies have suggested that only one out of four doctors
takes time to discuss potential side ...