January 27, 2019 at 12:12 pm
MISSD continues to be concerned about the alarming rate of suicides among veterans. Some explanations refer to combat-related PTSD, long deployments and difficulties adjusting to civilian life after returning home. However, many of these reported deaths are of young Marines who have never been deployed nor seen combat. While this article doesn’t mention prescription drugs, there is growing concern regarding possible adverse drug effects some vets may be suffering. House Bill 4640 was created to explore the relationship between prescription drugs and military suicides. Unfortunately, no action has been taken on the bill since its introduction in 2016.
MISSD strongly supports further research and funding to help reduce the staggering number of suicides in the military. Vets deserve access to quality care and informed consent regarding a variety of treatment options to include cognitive therapy. More than 20 veteran suicides are reported every day. Action is needed to develop a more comprehensive understanding regarding the causes of these alarming statistics.
January 22, 2019 at 11:15 am
MISSD is pleased to see patient safety at the forefront of public discussion. Former President Clinton and Grammy nominee Belinda Carlisle recently spoke at the World Patient Safety Summit. Carlisle states this cause is close to her heart given she has lost family and friends due to medical errors. More than 200,000 people die every year in U.S. hospitals and 4.8 million worldwide in ways that could have been prevented.
See: www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190120005015/en/President-Clinton-Powerful-Message-Attendees-World-Patient
January 17, 2019 at 1:04 pm
Efforts to mislead doctors and patients about the dangers of Purdue Pharma’s opioid product came from the top, alleges new court filing. See: nytimes.com/2019/01/15/health/sacklers-purdue-oxycontin-opioids.html
January 11, 2019 at 6:15 am
Washington’s ABC Channel 7 spotlights adverse drug effects. Drug safety advocates note kids are being given Zoloft for bed wetting, nail biting and test anxiety while many families are not informed about the risks of akathisia-induced death. See: wjla.com/features/7-on-your-side/suicide-risks-prescription-drugs?fbclid=IwAR27ukmt3fJV-of6c2wHCoFG7KcGBVBMYo1R5aPsN5UOg1PkA3YhtGULzzg
January 8, 2019 at 11:42 am
An excellent MedPage Today article by Dr. Christy Huff helps increase public awareness of akathisia as an adverse effect of benzodiazepines. See: kevinmd.com/blog/2018/11/dont-miss-this-adverse-drug-reaction-when-tapering-benzodiazepines.html