most controversial medications

[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.

[KarafromPhilly]

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.

I know it is used for a rare condition called pemphigus vulgaris, which is a nasty condition that involves blistering of the inside of the mouth and can be hard to treat; even so, it's a treatment of last resort.

[peridotgirl]

what about digoxin? It can lead to arrhythmias if not properly monitored.

[lsyorke, RN]

Ssri's, especially with the new information this week that clinical trials were not revealed that showed they may not be as positive as thought.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

research has not demonstrated a linkage between vaccination and autism...

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

research has not demonstrated a linkage between vaccination and autism...

However, the controversy remains.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Thalidomide was originally (in the late 50s) used as a tranquilizer...some docs used it for morning sickness, or insomnia.

It wasn't tested in pg patients-thankfully? but soon babies without limbs or with foreshortened limbs and other bd started being reported. Horrible things happened because of rapid introduction onto the market. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalidomide

GOOGLE for images.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

A list? I'd say PDR-cover to cover.

[steelcityrn, RN]

Lyrica is not being questioned r/t if fibromyalgia is real...its real and there is solid scientific proof. I hate when that is said, it hard on those who have it, like a slap in the face. Anyone want to see the list of the most common and as to why try WORST DRUGS.COM.

[defeatedcreek]

Thank you all for these responses. Your replies were thoughtful and provoking. I loved the gibe about using the PDR cover-to-cover. Each of your responses will be useful in making my top ten list. We love having fruitful discussions with junior personnel here and therapeutic medicine as a philosophy is often a major topic of contention. I am going to post another new thread and I look forward to those answers as well.

Thanks again.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

Lyrica is not being questioned r/t if fibromyalgia is real...its real and there is solid scientific proof. I hate when that is said, it hard on those who have it, like a slap in the face. Anyone want to see the list of the most common and as to why try WORST DRUGS.COM.

http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/Fibromyalgia--Lyrica--and-the-New-York-Times-47638.aspx

There is my reference. Sorry to offend anyone. I was not taking a side on the issue, just answering the OP's question.

[grigoriy fooks]

If anyone knows about web site that list most common use drugs and nursing intervntions to them

[burnoutward, BSN, RN]

Lidane Shampoo...highly toxic and can cause seizures. 4 minutes on AT THE MOST.