[polygirl]

As far as I'm concerned Vioxx was a miracle drug - the morning I woke up to the news it was being removed from the market I said a very bad word indeed. Except for this unfortuate, recently discovered problem, it was an excellent, excellent medication that provided a better quality of life for all who took it - to say that it mattered under whose watch it was approved is ridiculous.

Vioxx kept me moving despite severe arthritis in my lower back for several years. I respect its makers for withdrawing it but hope they find a safer replacement really soon. So far nothing else works as well.

Polygirl

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

I apologize for my sarcasm.

I realize that there are probably going to be a lot of people who'll be adversely affected by the decision to remove this specific medication from the market.

In fact, that's why-in contrast to some other conservatives-I have a lot of sympathy for the difficult choices faced by FDA commissioners.

They have to straddle a fine line, risking the ire of people who claim they're being dilatory and not approving life-saving drugs-which, to a certain extent, is true-while also attempting to placate an irrationally excitable public, who'll be the first to scapegoat them if a particular drug has adverse health consequences.