Holes In U.S. Drug Safety Net

Millions of Americans unknowingly risk rare but serious drug side effects, Consumer Reports says. In its January 2006 issue, the independent consumer magazine points to a dozen common prescription drugs linked to serious risks -- including death. These risks, the article says, were "undetected or underestimated when the FDA approved them for use." The issue isn't these 12 drugs. For people who need them, their benefits outweigh their risks. What's flawed is the U.S. drug safety system, says Marvin M. Lipman, MD, chief medical advisor for Consumers Union and emeritus professor of medicine at New York Medical College, Valhalla.