Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD

Rx for Change: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | May 23, 2019 | Comments Off on Rx for Change: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is another name for “chronic oligoanovulation”—irregular or absent ovulation resulting in  irregular or absent menstruation. PCOS may be associated with ovaries that have multiple cysts; hyperandrogenism (increased DHEA and/or testosterone); excessive facial or body hair (hirsuitism); acne; and weight gain.

Rx for Change: The ABCs of Hospice and Palliative Care

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | Jan 7, 2019 | Comments Off on Rx for Change: The ABCs of Hospice and Palliative Care

An 83-year- old woman dies on a ventilator in the ICU. She’s been hospitalized for five of the last six months of her life.

A 57-year-old woman with recurrent metastatic breast cancer develops cancer-related fluid inside her chest cavity. She has aggressive surgery to prevent the fluid from reaccumulating. She dies in the hospital two days later.

Rx for Change: Throw Away Your Opioids

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | Sep 12, 2018 | Comments Off on Rx for Change: Throw Away Your Opioids

Adriane just had dental surgery and the surgeon provided a prescription for Tylenol with codeine. When she told him that opioids were not better than over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers for dental pain, the surgeon argued, “But it’s such a weak opioid.” And then he said, almost to himself, “Well, I guess it does turn to morphine in the gut.”

Rx for Change: Alternatives for Chronic Pain

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | Jan 30, 2018 | Comments Off on Rx for Change: Alternatives for Chronic Pain

We’ve previously discussed the risks of opioids, and how pharmaceutical companies have encouraged over-prescription of these drugs that has created an opioid addiction epidemic. But what’s a person in pain to do?

Rx For Change: Obfuscating Opioid Risks

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | Sep 21, 2017 | Comments Off on Rx For Change: Obfuscating Opioid Risks

Back when we were in training, more than 30 years ago, opioids were considered dangerous drugs that could cause addiction and life-threatening respiratory depression. Medical students were taught that opioids were very useful for end-of-life pain (especially for cancer, which can cause excruciating pain) and that they were important for a few days after surgery or a severe injury.

Rx for Change: The Real Cost of EpiPen Shots? Peanuts!

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | May 9, 2017 | Comments Off on Rx for Change: The Real Cost of EpiPen Shots? Peanuts!

It’s probably not a coincidence that both FARE and AAN have received substantial financial support from EpiPen’s manufacturer. Since 2011, Mylan has provided more than $10 million to fund various “educational efforts” including donations to these two groups.

Rx for Change: Death Panel? That Would Be You!

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | Jan 10, 2017 | Comments Off on Rx for Change: Death Panel? That Would Be You!

Medical aid in dying is a safe and trusted practice. Laws such as EOLOA are an important component of end-of-life care, and these carefully crafted processes can have positive results.

Rx for Change: Hepatitis Drugs and Skyrocketing Health Care Costs

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | Jan 13, 2016 | Comments Off on Rx for Change: Hepatitis Drugs and Skyrocketing Health Care Costs

U.S. drug prices are out of control and unsustainable. We’re the only developed country where public programs cannot negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers; as a result, the U.S. generally pays more for branded prescription drugs than any other country.

Rx for Change: Oncologists Avoid Using the Best Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | Sep 8, 2015 | Comments Off on Rx for Change: Oncologists Avoid Using the Best Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

Why is an ovarian cancer treatment that saves women’s lives being underused?

Rx for Change: Refuse InFuse

By Charlea T. Massion, MD, and Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD | Aug 4, 2015 | Comments Off on Rx for Change: Refuse InFuse

We all know that some pharmaceutical companies put their own corporate profits ahead of patient safety. But, those companies don’t have a lock on this behavior — here’s an example of a medical device company that has also compromised patient safety.