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Discover the untold truths of medication safety, concerning trends of overprescription, and how to be the boss of your own medicines, as we hear from special guest Suzanne Robotti from MedShadow in this third installment of the ‘Medication March’ series.
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CHAPTERS
2:37 Surprising Medication Facts
4:41 Federal Drug Administration Approvals
8:02 Conflicts of Interest
15:59 Medication Risks and Diabetes Reduction
20:08 Taking Charge of Your Own Health
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Overview
In Episode 17, part 3 of the Medication March series, Su Robotti from MedShadow joins Dr Jedha again, to delve into critical aspects of diabetes management – medication awareness, the power of informed decisions, and the pivotal role of patient-doctor communication.
We cover some interesting ground, including:
Understanding Medication and Its Impacts
Su, serving on the advisory panel of the Federal Drug Administration, sheds light on a startling statistic: within four years of FDA approval, 32% of new drugs are identified with concerning side effects. This revelation underlines the necessity for patients and doctors to critically evaluate new medications, especially those freshly approved or heavily advertised, such as Wogovy and Ozempic.
The Power of Knowledge and Proactive Choices
Su’s insights emphasize the importance of being well-informed and proactive. Opting for older, more studied medications can be a safer choice. Miracle drugs, like the one Su’s mother took, often reveal adverse effects years later – in her mother’s case, infertility. This underscores the principle of minimizing risks and striving for health without undue reliance on medications.
Su Robotti’s Role in the FDA and Consumer Advocacy
As the sole consumer representative on the FDA’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Committee, Su highlights the need for consumer awareness in drug approval processes. She advocates for the inclusion of holistic perspectives in these discussions, urging patients to seek doctors who prioritize drug safety and overall well-being.
Choosing the Right Doctor and Asking the Right Questions
Switching doctors or interviewing potential ones can be a critical step. It’s essential to inquire about a doctor’s training, prescribing habits, and any pharmaceutical company affiliations. This approach helps in selecting a healthcare provider who aligns with one’s health values and priorities.
Addressing the Conflict of Interest in Medicine
Su points out a concerning trend: doctors accepting perks from pharmaceutical companies tend to prescribe those companies’ drugs more frequently. This conflict of interest extends to research, where authors might have ties to the pharmaceutical industry, potentially biasing study outcomes.
Seeking Reliable Information Sources
For accurate and unbiased information, Su recommends seeking websites like MedShadow that don’t accept pharmaceutical funding. This approach ensures that the information and guidance received are not influenced by commercial interests.
The Case of Wogovy and Drug Repurposing
Su’s experience on the FDA committee during the approval of Wogovy, a diabetes medication later popular for weight loss, illustrates how drugs can be repurposed without sufficient evidence. She urges caution against such practices and emphasizes the importance of understanding a medication’s full range of effects before committing to long-term use.
The Burden of Medication on the Body
Discussing the physical toll of long-term medication use, Su warns against the strain on organs like the liver and kidneys, which are not designed to process high doses of medication continuously. This highlights the need for careful consideration before starting any long-term medication.
Empowering You to Take Charge
IMPORTANT: Be the boss of your medicines!
Dr. Jedha echoes this sentiment, encouraging listeners to constantly question the necessity and dosage of their medications. The T2Diet Program exemplifies the power of diet and lifestyle in reducing medication dependency, with 87% of participants seeing a reduction in medications.
This enlightening conversation with Suzanne Robotti offers valuable insights into navigating the complex world of diabetes medication.
It serves as a reminder of the power of informed decision-making and proactive health management. Remember, knowledge is your greatest ally in taking charge of your health!
RESOURCES
To help you research the medications you are taking:
MedShadow: Questions to ask your doctor
MedShadow: The Whole Truth About Medicines
Podcast Guest
About Suzanne Robotti
Suzanne is a medication side effects expert and Founder of MedShadow Foundation, a leading non profit, independent health journalism site focused on the side effects of medicines and lower risk alternative health options. Since 2017 Su has been appointed as the sole Consumer Representative on the FDA Advisory Committee on Drug Safety and Risk Management.
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