Have Pen, Will Prescribe
Patients often demand drugs for uses not indicated on the label. Too many doctors go along.
FENFLURAMINE AND PHENTERMINE (FEN-PHEN)
The combo soared in popularity among the overweight, but deadly heart valve problems cropped up
ENCAINIDE AND FLECAINIDE
Approved for heart arrhythmias but widely prescribed after heart attacks--until deaths occurred from side effects
ANTIBIOTICS
One-fifth are prescribed for colds, even though they don't work against viruses and can foster drug-resistant microbes
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