29. Describe the risk-to-benefit logic that might be used to decide whether or n

Question

29. Describe the risk-to-benefit logic that might be used to decide whether or not to take a drug in each of the following cases: a drug has a 50 percent chance of a treating a fatal illness, but a 10 percent chance of causing a fatal toxic reaction in the patient; a different drug has a 50 percent chance of treating acne, but a 10 percent chance of causing a fatal toxic reaction in the patient.

32. An herbalist tells you that an herb has the ability to treat headaches, but has no side effects or toxicity. Do you believe the herbalist? Why or why not?

Explanation / Answer

29. The risk to benefit ratio depends on the type of illness and how severe is the condition of the patient we are talking about in treatment. So the first drug is better then second. That is a drug that has a 50 percent chance of a treating a fatal illness, but a 10 percent chance of causing a fatal toxic reaction in the patient would be advisable to take since it deals with direct life saving treatment effect of the medicine. Often their are very few drugs choices available for fatal diseases in market. On the other hand, a drug that has a 50 percent chance of treating acne, but a 10 percent chance of causing a fatal toxic reaction in the patient could be advised against prescription for it is not that essential as the first drug and can be replaced with something better. Often there are more options available for treatment of acne.  

32. No, a herbal medicine may also come with side effects. So when an herbalist tells you that an herb has the ability to treat headaches, but has no side effects or toxicity. Do not believe the herbalist The important thing to remember here is that most herbal migraine remedies (or headaches) haven

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