MyUSTINET News: Patients, Doctors Disconnect On Drug Talks

WASHINGTON, April 3 (UPI) -- Almost all U.S. doctors say they discuss drug side effects with patients, but fewer than half of epilepsy patients say these discussions occur, a survey found.

SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

The survey, conducted by Richard Day Research for Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, indicated 98 percent of physicians report discussing medication-related side effects with patients, but 47 percent of epilepsy patients report such discussions take place.

More than one-quarter of epilepsy patients report they sometimes feel reluctant to bring up side effects during office visits, the survey found.

However, while healthcare professionals estimate 43 percent of patients experience medication-related side effects, the survey indicated 75 percent of patients had side effects and 57 percent said the side effects affect work or school. Fatigue, poor memory, weight gain or weight loss and loss of concentration were most side effects reported.

"These findings suggest treatment expectations among epilepsy patients are simply too low. According to the survey, 61 percent of people with epilepsy believe that side effects are just something they have to live with", Eric Hargis of the Epilepsy Foundation said in a statement. "People with epilepsy should be proactive in discussing their treatment plans, opening up about the side effects and how these side effects are affecting their lives."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Related News Topics:

	Print This Story
	Email This Story

BREAKING STORIES

Newfoundland loses doctors

Doctors often don't know patients are gay

Doctors may have subconscious racial bias

District of Columbia tops in Medicaid

Doctors eye vitamin D link to autism

Doctors' Gifts Cut: Drug Industry Lobby Asks Companies to Stop Some Handouts to Physicians

AMA Apologizes for Past Racism: Group Reviews How Black Doctors Were Denied Membership and Support and Says Effects 'Are Still With Us Today'

Bullying doctors no longer tolerated

Doctors done in by stillbirths, deaths

Doctors: Some CT scans may not be needed

Doctors say insurance firms pre-empt them

Doctors often don't reinforce instructions

Race plays role in diabetes treatment

Two doctors accused of killing patients

Doctors quiet about Kennedy's operation

Doctor: Obama's health excellent

Doctors say walking barefoot is dangerous

Doctors: Kennedy has brain tumor

Doctors await Kennedy test results

Hospitals admit errors to avoid lawsuits