Abstract

PIP: The 1995 "pill scare" that followed preliminary epidemiologic evidence suggesting an association between third-generation oral contraceptives (OCs) and venous thromboembolism risk entailed seven sets of actors: the authors of the epidemiologic studies, the journal editors who published these studies, drug regulatory authorities, the mass media, prescribers of OCs, the implicated pharmaceutical companies, and OC users. To avoid future sensationalized mass media stories, scientific journals should be more cautious about releasing controversial, unpublished data and editorial boards should take adequate time before publishing such papers. Data should be presented in terms of absolute as well as relative risk. Drug regulatory authorities are urged to consult experts and encourage debate before issuing warnings. Finally, the medical profession should be informed of current projects concerning the safety of new drugs and any proposals to withdraw drugs from the market. Historically, scientific societies have avoided interference with the commercial aspects of drugs. However, such "interference," as representatives of the medical and scientific communities and defenders of users, seems warranted.