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>I believe that every patient should have and use a Physician's >Desk Reference constantly, especially when the field is changing so rapidly >as PD. Not even a neurologist can be 100 % up to date. I basically think that you are right insofar a patients should have access to all information that they want and feel they can assimilate. You can usually get the PDR info from your pharmacist since it is contained in the package insert which comes with every bottle. I always give my patients a basic information sheet when I prescribe a new medication and if I have it available and they request it a copy of the package insert. A Caveat however- THE PACKAGE INSERT IS NOT THE DEFINATIVE INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR DRUG! It is what the FDA and the manufacturer have agreed be published. There are indications for the use of medications that are not FDA approved but are well-documented in the literature. It is permissible for a physician to prescribe it for those indications as long as he's prepared to back up the use and show that it is reasonable practice. There are a lot of political and economic reasons why some indications are not sought such as the cost of preparing the data for the FDA or the fact that a patent is nearing its end and there isn't economic incentive to add a new indication. Conversely, drug companies sometimes put precautions into the PDR as "cover your ass" statements. If something happens they have done their legal duty and it is between the patient and their doctors( and sometimes their lawyers). Virtually any untoward event that has occurred during the testing of a drug or has been reported post-marketing that cannot clearly be explained by another cause is listed as a possible side effect. Do not assume that any problem that occurs while you are taking a medication is caused by the med because its listed in the PDR. But be sure to tell your MD anything you think might be related. If you check the literature and find something that appears to be a problem be sure to bring it to your doctor's attention as a question but do not assume that because you read something in the PDR he/she is wrong. However if the doctor is not willing to consider your concern and discuss it with you then it is time to reconsider your relationship. There are no such things as dumb questions or concerns. But remember most of the time your physician knows more about the condition he/she is treating or the drug he is prescribing than you do. ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO BUT LISTEN TO THE ANSWERS. CHARLIE **************************************************************************** ************************************* Charles T. Meyer Madison, WI [log in to unmask] **************************************************************************** ************************************