Personal Injury Law

For starters, Bloomberg reports that the (now defunct) European drug 'Acomplia' actually cam with a suicide risk. American drugs haven't fared much better and if Abbott Laboratories' 'Meridia' is any indication, the pill-induced increase in heart rate for those whose hearts may already be adversely impacted by excessive weight gain makes for a dangerous combination. Even 'Xenical' has its detractors, even if their criticism is only associated with loose bowl movements that the consumer may be incapable of controlling.

Adding insult to injury, there are some rumblings that drug makers have been aware of the problems associated with their drugs but failed to inform the consumer of the extent that they may experience them. Even as drug manufacturers are completely honest with drug regulators, their consumer disclosure practices leave something to be desired.

There is a fine line between divulging trade secrets, which would adversely impact the manufacturers' ability to realize a commercial gain from their drugs, and disclosing the full depth and breadth of possible side effects, which would enable consumers to do their own benefit analysis. Even as drug makers are eyeing this level of disclosure with apprehension, there is the realization that playing their cards close to the vest is no longer fiscally wise.