They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article. Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions. Australian Prescriber Vol. The pharmaceutical industry actively promotes its new drugs to prescribers. Sometimes a new product will be indirectly promoted to the public through the media.
Studies suggest that marketing is often responsible for doctors prescribing new drugs.
A new drug is carefully tested, but it is usually tested in specially selected patients. Some problems may not appear until after the drug is in general use. If your doctor plans to prescribe a new drug, you should discuss what advantages or disadvantages it might have over other well known treatments.