Replies

In today's climate, can you expect a doctor to prescribe an unapproved treatment? If we were talking about an OTC (which we're not), yes the patient would have a choice. With a prescribed medication, however, what is to stop a malpractice suit if it doesn't work? So, while not illegal, non-approved drugs, while they may be effective in treatment, don't stand much of a chance. This is only my opinion - I do not agree with it, but it is how I see it.

With a prescribed medication, however, what is to stop a malpractice suit if it doesn't work? So, while not illegal, non-approved drugs, while they may be effective in treatment, don't stand much of a chance. This is only my opinion - I do not agree with it, but it is how I see it.

There ought to be a law called : THE PATIENT's FREEDOM OF CHOICE LAW that ABSOLVES doctors and providers of a drug/herb/substance that a patient VOLUNTARILY and WITH FULL MENTAL CAPACITY takes for his own condition from lawsuits or jail.

This is the essence of liberty -- the freedom to take charge of your own health and make your own decisions for yourself. If after much discussions with people ( doctors and researchers included ), I personally conclude that DRUG X, although not legally approved by the FDA, is the best hope for my condition, I would want it available for myself.

I can understand the fear of malpractice suits coming from the provider of such drug. Well, I can sign a legal agreement which BY LAW, ought to be binding, that absolves the person from liabilities should it not work.

BUT IF IT DOES WORK !! That's going to be a boon for people with similar conditions.

I can understand the rigorous, bureaucratic procedures that the FDA has to go through to approve a drug ( costing on average something like 400 Million for a company to get to market ). But sometimes, I if I am desperate, I WANT TO TAKE THE RISK EVEN IF IT MIGHT NOT WORK. Currently, there is little legal recourse for such measure. I want such recourse to exist.