Healthy Skepticism Library item: 13619

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Patel K.
Why I love a free lunch
BMJ 2008 Apr 26; 336:(7650):962
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/336/7650/962-a

Abstract:

Who’s ever heard of ivabradine? Who even knows how to pronounce it?

In a nutshell it’s a newish negatively chronotropic drug used to manage stable angina in patients who don’t tolerate ß blockers. I certainly had never heard of it until a leaflet was handed to me by a smiling drug company representative at a sponsored lunch before a hospital grand round.

I know it’s not politically correct to say this, but I quite enjoy a free lunch, especially when it comes from Marks & Spencer. Judging by the number of staff members rapidly devouring the sandwiches and smoothies, they seemed to as well. It certainly beats the grease and salt laden offerings the hospital offers intermittently to its workers. Organic salmon and rocket rolls win every time over deep fried chicken drumsticks and sandwiches of uncertain age and provenance.

Now, I know that had I been a decent doctor . . .

kinesh_patel@yahoo.co.uk

Notes:

See also response by Healthy Skepticism member, Brett Montgomery:
http://www.healthyskepticism.org/library/ref.php?id=14361