"In summary, our results provide evidence that high intake of refined carbohydrates may increase risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women and that the deleterious effect is stronger among those who are overweight or obese. In addition, our data support a benefit of cereal fiber in preventing hemorrhagic stroke. These findings suggest that replacing sugar and refined starches with whole-grain, high-fiber forms of carbohydrate may reduce hemorrhagic stroke, particularly among women who are overweight or obese. " (American Journal of Epidemiology, January 2005)
"OTC (Over-the-counter) cough and cold preparations are nearly ubiquitous, and are marketed for the relief of those most irritating symptoms of the common cold: rhinorrhea and cough. Although they may alleviate some symptoms in adolescents and adults, many studies have demonstrated that OTC cough and cold preparations do not achieve such claims in the younger pediatric population. In fact, studies in children of the immediate, short-term (within 48 hours), and long-term (after 72 hours) effects of cough and cold preparations showed no significant difference between OTC medications and placebo in the reduction of cough. In addition, OTC cough and cold medications are associated with potentially serious side effects. " (Pediatrics, September 1, 2001)
"All NSAIDs, both COX-2 selective and nonselective, provide only a modest symptomatic benefit over placebo, and this benefit has been proven only in short-term trials. With long-term therapy, it is not known whether the benefits of this class of drugs exceed the harms. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that the opposite is true. Meta-analysis of FDA data from the CLASS and VIGOR trials shows, first, that COX-2 selective NSAIDs do not necessarily reduce the incidence of complicated ulcers. Second, the meta-analysis demonstrates that, rather than proving safer, COX-2 selective NSAIDs cause more morbidity (total SAEs) than nonselective NSAIDs. " (CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), November 12, 2002)
"In the population studied in HERS [Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study], ie, postmenopausal women with established coronary disease and an average age of 66.7 years, daily use of conjugated equine estrogens and plus medroxyprogesterone acetate did not reduce the overall risk for MI [Myocardial Infarction] and CHD [Coronary Heart Disease] death or any other cardiovascular outcome during an average of 4.1 years of follow-up. This therapy did increase the risk of venous thromboembolic events and gallbladder disease." (JAMA, August 19, 1998)
"Approximately 90% of 21 billion marketing budget of the pharmaceutical industry continues to be directed at physicians, despite a dramatic increase in direct-to consumer advertising. " (JAMA, January 25, 2006)
1 | 2
