posted on June 6, 2002 07:06:29 PM new
Were you aware that after an extensive and lengthy approval process, a drug that has been okayed to treat one specific condition may be prescribed by a physician for virtually any other condition? In theory, a drug approved for enlarged prostate may be prescribed for heartburn. A drug prescribed for water retention may be prescribed for a thyroid problem. Of course the doctor would leave him/herself open for a malpractice suit, but it is scary nevertheless. This plus the fact that many prescriptions are wrongly filled due to similar names coupled with bad handwriting leads to many serious reactions and sometimes death. A computer generated prescription requirement is slowly replacing handwritten ones in hospitals across the country. The same should be required in doctor's offices.
