I am writing in response to Quinne Leyden’s column (“Medical Ads with Pain on the Side” April 9). Before Ms. Leyden is so quick to oppose the drugs she mentions in her column, she should get her facts straight.
I am specifically referring to her description of the side effects of Orthotricyclen, the birth control pill that can also help acne. While it is true that any birth control pill could cause blood clots or stroke, it is an issue of more concern to women who are over 35 or who smoke.
Ms. Leyden also claims the pill could cause breast cancer later in life — this assertion is very untrue. In fact, many studies have shown that women who take the pill actually have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer and other types of cancer, such as cervical or ovarian.
As far helping acne, surely a doctor would not put a “pubescent oily mess” on the pill for strictly the purpose of clearing up acne. There are other medications (also with side effects) that are more appropriate to that situation.
While Ms. Leyden’s concern about the drugs’ side effects is certainly valid, her claim that “the money is often more important than the healing” is not. There are many people whose quality of life improves greatly because of these drugs. People who experience great social anxiety, are severely overweight, experience pain or use medications for contraception are very grateful to have such drugs that can make their lives a little easier or often give them their lives back. For these people, it is not a money issue — it is about the quality of one’s life.
Jenelle Radosta
SED ’02
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