We recently asked people about their use of pain medication. About 500 responded to questions on their use of pain medication and their feelings towards pharmaceutical companies since finding out about risks to heart health that accompany these medications. Although 56 percent of people were unaware of the side effects, 37 percent indicated that they would most likely not seek out further information regarding the potential risks.
Knowing about the pain medications' side effects deterred 19 percent of respondents from using such drugs. Thirty-seven percent admitted to being hesitant to use any medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter. These findings indicate that negative information about a specific type of medication does not automatically change usage practices, but instead tends to trigger a blanket caution.
Knowledge of the possible side effects of pain medication failed to deter usage among most respondents. Most people's opinions of pharmaceutical companies remained unchanged: only 30 percent admitted that their opinions of pharmaceutical companies have changed due to recent announcements about side effects. Sixty-six percent of people thought that companies should add warnings rather than pull the drugs off the shelves entirely.
Sixty five percent of respondents realize that pain medication precludes the exploration of other ways to combat pain. Nevertheless, most people appear willing to overlook the potential health risks involved with pain medication. The quick and easy relief provided by these medications seems to trump the threat of side effects enough for people to continue using them and not actively seeking out alternatives.
This survey indicates that the use of pain medication has not changed significantly. Despite the risks to heart health, the potential side effects appear to not be great enough for people to stop using the medication, significantly alter their perceptions of pharmaceutical companies, nor explore alternatives that might yield less risks.
Tree.com provides information on health-related topics, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your physician if you have questions or concerns.