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Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2592

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

Roughead L, Gilbert A.
Medicines and the media
Australian Prescriber 2000; 23:(6):115
http://www.australianprescriber.com


Abstract:

The authors quote a local newspaper article reporting on comments by a visiting international authority on heart disease who is quoted as saying ‘normal’ cholesterol levels were too high. The article then referred to cerivastatin, recently approved for use in Australia. Assuming release of a new study on health outcomes associated with cerivastatin, the authors unsuccessfully sought information from the reporter, the local marketing companies and the Bayer product manager. The basis for the story turned out to be a 1995 study involving pravastatin. The question is asked: Was the story ‘news’ or advertising?

Keywords:
*letter to the editor Australia

 

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There is no sin in being wrong. The sin is in our unwillingness to examine our own beliefs, and in believing that our authorities cannot be wrong. Far from creating cynics, such a story is likely to foster a healthy and creative skepticism, which is something quite different from cynicism.”
- Neil Postman in The End of Education