Posted by Dr. Bob on December 31, 2001, at 17:17:43
[Posted by manowar on December 31, 2001, at 15:48:55, in reply to http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011222/msgs/87850.html]
> Hello Dr. Bob,
> It's nice to finally address you.
> Thank you very much for your web site. It has been very beneficial for me as well as for probably thousands of others. I think you value the importance of sharing information, even if it may be controversial, and I admire you for that.
>
> You're web site is also probably highly scrutinized by a bunch of bureaucrats so it's highly probable that this message will get deleted, but I need to get this off my chest anyway.
> BTW: I promise I'll never post a web address again of a foreign pharmacy (even though the one I posted was totally reputable).
>
> Dr. Bob, I understand your position completely. I used to be a card carrying member of the "just say no to drugs" crowd, but because of my illness and the damage it has inflicted on me, my family, and my work, I've since changed my views. I would just like to say this for the record as a patient, because I think it's important for me to give my side of the story (I think others would agree with me also).
>
> A little history lesson for anyone who might be interested:
>
> This is a section from the "FDA POLICY ON MEDICATION IMPORTATION" dated July 20, 1988.
>
> "Because of the desire to acquire articles for treatment of serious and life-threatening conditions like AIDS and cancer, individuals have been purchasing unapproved products from foreign sources. Some of these products are sold over-the-counter in the country of origin, while others are available from clinics where the purchaser was treated. Such products are often shipped to the purchaser by mail."
>
> -So, based on the fact that many U.S. citizens needed life saving medications that were not available in the United States, it is my understanding (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) that the United States FDA created a policy (a loophole, if you will) so that people with life threatening illnesses (which I believe depression can be- in many cases) can get medications that they need -which are not currently available in the United States.
>
> From FDA Regulations:
>
> "The following criteria must be met to Import Medications into the United States
>
> It is legal for US residents to import medications from outside the US provided the following conditions are met:
>
> A) The product was purchased for personal use and does not exceed a 3-month supply.
> B) The product is not for resale.
> C) The intended use of the product is appropriately identified.
> D) The patient seeking to import the product affirms in writing that it's for the patient's own use.
> E) The patient provides the name and address of the doctor licensed in the US responsible for his or her treatment with the product.
> F) The medication is not a controlled substance, e.g. sleeping pills, Valium, narcotics."
>
> --Since one of eight people who have Major Depressive Disorder dies a violent death from self inflicted suicide, I would think that the having the ability to obtain potentially life saving drugs from overseas is very important.
>
> "Suicide is the most dreaded complication of major depressive disorders. About 10 to 15 percent of patients formerly hospitalized with depression commit suicide (Angst et al., 1999). Major depressive disorders account for about 20 to 35 percent of all deaths by suicide (Angst et al., 1999). Completed suicide is more common among those with more severe and/or psychotic symptoms, with late onset, with co-existing mental and addictive disorders (Angst et al., 1999), as well as among those who have experienced stressful life events, who have medical illnesses, and who have a family history of suicidal behavior (Blumenthal, 1988)."
> --Message from Donna E. Shalala
> Secretary of Health and Human Services U.S.A.
>
> Ironically, I visited with my doctor Friday. I believe he would rather I take a “foreign” drug like Adrafinil than a tricyclic AD, because the Adrafinil seems to have a very benign side effect profile, especially when compared with a "dirty” tricyclic AD. BTW: Tricyclic ADs seem to give me cardiovascular side effects (heart murmurs) when I've used them in the past.
>
> You know, that's why I choose for him to be my doctor. He's one of the few that cares about me getting well over anything else. He could care less where the meds come from as long as they're legal, WHICH THEY ARE. He wants to know about the meds, and their side effects, dosage recommendations, abstracts, and as much other relevant data that he can get his hands on. He would much rather I take a FDA approved med for my condition. However, many times the only FDA approved meds for my condition either don't work, or give me terrible side effects. Therefore, he could also care less if the highly bureaucratic, political, FDA which is certainly influenced by large drug manufacturers wants me to have the potentially life saving meds or not; he just cares that I get better. I believe doctors like him are truly honoring the Hippocratic oath. Too bad there’s not more of them.
>
> I am proud to say that I follow the law when I purchase drugs from overseas.
>
> Sorry, just had to get that off my chest. Please don't ban me from your site for having this view.
>
> --Tim
> Happy New Year EVERYONE!
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:2542
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20011216/msgs/2542.html