The official website for the drug Olanzapine probably didn’t mention the fact it might cause diabetic symptoms in patients. Another website obviously did. Commercials on TV now are required to mention possible side effects. Should drug companies be required to come clean about situations like the one with Eli Lilly’s Olanzapine in their commercial websites? Why or why not?
I believe drug companies should inform the general public of potential side effects. I believe the small print on the bottom of a commercial should be enough information for consumers. The real side effect information should be discussed by the patient's physician. Commercials are there to generally inform potential patients on their options for their drug of choice, but in order for the proper drug to be used, a doctor should decide based on patient history, general wellness and severity of disease. Doctors should be aware of well documented studies from the drug companies and make the best decision on a case-by-case basis no matter what the medication. Ultimately, it is the power of the physician to prescribe the correct drug; commercials and advertising are not to blame.
