Drug-related Deaths and Serious Injuries Have Doubled

The FDA reports that between 1998 and 2005 deaths and serious injuries from drugs has doubled, a rate of injury significantly faster than the increase in prescriptions. 51 drugs are responsible for the increase, with new biotech drugs that modulate the immune system at the top of the list. 85% percent of those suffering did not have any label warning that the drug they were taking could produce the serious health problem, injury, or death.

While it is nice that the FDA filled out a report card on its post-marketing drug surveillance competency, it does not change the fact that the grade is an F. For decades the FDA has done the dirty work of the drug companies, allowing dangerous drugs like Vioxx on the market and when a hundred thousand people die the cases are all tied up in court indefinitely. Now the FDA wants to become a drug company. It is little wonder that 75% of Americans don't trust the FDA.