[defeatedcreek]

I'm trying to compile a rough top-ten (or top whatever number) list of the most controversial/dangerous/questionable medications of recent history. They can still be in use or were recalled. Here is a partial list I considered:

1. RU486
2. Rhogam
3. Potassium infusions
4. Heparin Therapy
5. COX-2 Inhibitors

That's by no means complete or even valid so I welcome discussion here. There are some really controversial ones I'm not aware of because their administration would be out of my scope of practice. So I trust this will be interesting.

[bill4745]

Acetaminophen -- has become the leading cause of liver failure.

[bagladyrn]

Thalidomide - been out of general use for years because of serious birth defects, but some time in the last few years it was being suggested for treatment for some condition (my brain is on hold at the minute, anyone remember what for?) and there was controversy because of the history.

[Indy]

I'm confused. What is wrong with heparin?

Edit. I'm not awake yet. I remember now. But Rhogam? It's a really good drug...

[anonymurse]

What interests me are the high media exposure meds that patients worry about, like oxycodone or zetia.

[susannyc]

Thalidomide is still being used in some countries as a treatment for leprosy (Hansen's Disease). At one time, it was tried in the USA as a treatment for AIDS--this was prior to the development of the retroviral drugs.

As a whole, I'd say steroids (catabolic) are a double edged sword. The drugs do a lot of good, but the side effects sometimes cause just as many problems as the original disease/disorder. I've had little to no experience with anabolics, so I can't comment on those.

[RNperdiem]

Accutane the acne medicine. Some dermatologists don't prescribe it anymore.

[epiphany]

Originally Posted by bagladyrn

Thalidomide - been out of general use for years because of serious birth defects, but some time in the last few years it was being suggested for treatment for some condition (my brain is on hold at the minute, anyone remember what for?) and there was controversy because of the history.

As far as I know it was always still approved and used for skin conditions and multiple myeloma inspite the controversy.

[Elvish]

When I worked at a community health center, we had a patient taking Thalidomide for multiple myeloma....just getting it dispensed was a nightmare. So much regulation.

I work OB, and I think the case could be made for cytotec and pitocin being controversial medicines. Not always unnecessary (esp the Pit), but way overused and not without some serious consequences.

[Rayrae]

Seroquel. A lot of side effects r/t metabolic syndrome, severe weight gain, etc (and a lot of those psych drugs). Seems like with psych drugs, there is a real balancing act between helping the patient psychologically and hurting them with the physical side effects. Like, what are those ones that cause tardive dyskinesia (sorry I'm sleepy this morning)?