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Bad Pharma

Goldacre, Ben

  9 Reviews

From a workday headache to a life-threatening illness, the contents of the medicine cupboard are there to cure all that ails us. But can consumers be confident that the drugs they turn to are not going to cause them more harm than good?

From the trial and reporting processes to regulations and marketing, this book puts the pharmaceutical industry under the microscope to answer this question. Supported by extensive research, this is compelling and important journalism that examines and diagnoses the maladies affecting the industry as well as proffering the appropriate treatment to ensure consumers can make informed decisions.

Comments from Groups

A demanding read, requiring undivided attention and focus. The excellent study guide provided a great overview for those who found it tough going. It sparked a great discussion. Alexandra 001

Most of us read this, and found the contents/arguments interesting and challenging. We thought we'd not have much to discuss, but we took some time over how our thinking had changed, and also recognising some of the shoddy practices that we had not known about. A very worth-while read. Tauranga 005

Only two people had read this to the end, but all had read some of it and were interested in the subject. There was lots of discussion, and we enjoyed the good notes and questions. It was perhaps a little detailed - the author was meticulous in his presentation of the case against 'bad pharma', but this made for a slow read - a bit heavy going. Lower Hutt 002

Is nobody to be trusted any more? Now it seems you can't even trust your own doctor. The author is a man on a mission to debunk our traditional thoughts regarding evidence based medicines, and has revealed a mountain of information for us to digest and ponder. A hefty read which not all managed to complete. The two pharmacists in our group were able to provide opposition against, and reassurance that all is not as bad as Ben Goldacre makes out. Fernside 001

An absolute top quality book that everyone should be required to read. Nelson 002

Only one read the entire book, with others skimming the repetitive parts. We still had a heated discussion over the way drug companies steer which drugs are sold and used. Every one of us will now be questioning any medication we are prescribed! Putaruru 001

It was too repetitive and technical, and would only appeal to a very narrow audience. It explores interesting ideas , but is not written in an easily enjoyed manner. Led to a great chat though! Motueka 004

Pages
430
Year
2012

Reviews

CHCH 294
05-08-2020
This book was frightening. No one read it completely as it was very repetitive. A good text book. Several people used it as a reference book. Very robust discussion.
WARK 003
05-08-2020
While impressed with the thoroughness of the author's research and documentation, we found ourselves bogged down, and would have enjoyed it more if it had been written "once over lightly" with the research etc as footnotes or addenda.
HAMIL 034
31-07-2020
We all found this book a hard read. Too much information! It led to a lot of lively discussion. It was good to listen to the interview with Kim Hill, and to look him up on the internet.
TAUR 015
31-07-2020
Informative. Interesting. Current and very topical.
AUCK 153
31-07-2020
Those of us who read this book found it very thought provoking. Prompted a very lively discussion.
HAMIL 022
31-07-2020
This book generated the most interesting discussion we've had in a long time, quite heated at times. Would recommend everyone read this book!
WHAKA 008
31-07-2020
We found it very heavy reading, but felt it was a very important book, and it led to an excellent discussion. We hope this book will help to bring change.
COROM 002
13-07-2020
A couple of us found the length a bit challenging, but on the whole we thought the book thoroughly interesting and very informative. The goings-on in the drug companies was certainly a subject for much discussion. Good notes.
WHANG 023
07-05-2019
About half of us read it and half of us liked it. Some gave up reading half way through. A bit repetitive in places, ok on the level of imparting information, but nothing reassuring if you are aready on medication. Could do with better editing.