Step Away from the Meds

The first time I really noticed those scary warnings read by Mr. Fast Talker at the end of medication commercials was for a weight loss drug a few years ago. The commercial was going along, there was some fat lady on roller blades and the voice over said "rare side effects include . . . .., the sudden urge to move your bowels, uncontrollable bowel movements . . .." and it went on. Me, I never heard past that part. So, you're skinny but you might poop yourself without warning??? Ummm, gee, I think I'll go with fat, thanks. Now there are a couple running that say "(Drug Name) should not be taken or handled by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant." This concerns me. A pill that I shouldn't even TOUCH the pill simply because I am of childbearing age? Sounds a little more dangerous than one might hope for. Don't get me wrong, I am all for pills, drugs and medications of all kinds. I'd rather get my vitamins A and C from a pill than a bunch of broccoli, I believe Aleve is a gift directly from God and I carried my bottle of Vicadin around like a kid with a wooby after my oral surgery, but some of these side effects may be getting just a wee bit out of hand. I'm afraid we are heading for "being within 10 feet of this pill may cause instant death." Sure, it might cure your itchy scalp, but your friends may drop dead as you walk by.