The debate comes on the heels of concerns that even medications prescribed by physicians can have unforeseen dangers because of improper prescribing. Some drugs have already been banned because physicians disregarded or never even read safety warnings. On Tuesday, the agency convened its scientific advisers to discuss the safety of Lotronex, a drug approved nearly five months ago to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Three required surgery, including one who had her entire colon removed. We cannot sit in the physician's office with a patient and say . . .
Pharmaceutical companies argue that drug costs are justified.
CNN Medical Correspondent Eileen O'Connor and The Associated Press contributed to this report.