Yes, dumb down the American public, a few people keep raising their head!
American healthcare has problems, layers of problems. I agree with Mr. Brill's 26,000 word indictment of US healthcare in the March 4th issue of Time. I don't accept his implied remedies nor the suggestions of Ezra Klein and Sarah Kliff in their Wonkblog discussion, but that's just background to discussion of this case, which has important ramifications that US journalists seem unable to grasp. Paraphrasing talktothemike, I am an insider, but no fan of the American system as it is.
I have no inside information on this case. Karen Bartlett was prescribed sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for shoulder pain in 2004. She developed a very severe hypersensitivity reaction, leaving her blind and badly handicapped. A jury awarded her $21 million in damages. The drug company appealed and SCOTUS has the case. The New York Times jumped in with an editorial “Hold Generic Drug Makers Accountable”. They say “Manufacturers should bear responsibility for making sure their drugs are safe and effective… If the Supreme Court shields the makers of generic drugs from consumer suits, Congress ought to amend the laws. “
Problem: All NSAIDs carry some risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions such as Ms. Bartlett suffered. Did your doctor warn you when she said, "Why don't you try some Ibuprofen?"
This nerdy wordy diary focuses on drug and health education, primarily the problem of pain and painkillers.