Will a Future Where We Fully Understand the Effects of All Medications Arrive?
As the mapping of medication effects and side effects progresses, how will our health management change? Let’s consider how our relationship with medications may evolve if this trend continues.
1. Today’s News
Source:
Mapping the off-target effects of every FDA-approved drug in existence
Summary:
- An initiative is underway to map the side effects of all FDA-approved medications in detail.
- This project is led by Bill Busa, CEO of EvE Bio.
- The research aims to provide new insights into medication safety and efficacy.
2. Considering the Background
Medications are essential for disease treatment and prevention. However, their effects can vary from person to person and may sometimes lead to unexpected side effects. Until now, research on medications has primarily focused on their benefits, while side effects have not been thoroughly understood. New initiatives are emerging to address this issue, driven by a movement towards more personalized medicine.
3. What Does the Future Hold?
Hypothesis 1 (Neutral): A Future Where All Effects and Side Effects of Medications Are Commonly Known
By visiting a pharmacy, you will have access to a database listing all the effects and potential side effects of the medications you are purchasing. This will allow doctors and pharmacists to choose more appropriate medications for patients, enabling patients themselves to actively engage in their medication choices. As this becomes commonplace, our understanding of medications will deepen, enhancing transparency in healthcare.
Hypothesis 2 (Optimistic): A Future Where Personalized Medicine Advances Significantly
Based on the genetic information and constitution of individual patients, the optimal type and dosage of medication will be determined. This will significantly improve treatment success rates and minimize the risk of side effects. Such changes will enhance the accuracy of healthcare, improve patients’ quality of life, and contribute to reduced healthcare costs.
Hypothesis 3 (Pessimistic): A Future Where Trust in Medications Diminishes
As detailed mapping of side effects progresses, an overabundance of information may lead to increased anxiety among some individuals. A longer list of side effects could strengthen tendencies to avoid using medications, making it difficult to receive necessary treatment. As a result, trust in medications may decline, leading to an increase in self-treatment and alternative therapies.
4. Tips We Can Use
Thinking Tips
- Be mindful of selecting medical information that suits you.
- Do not take medical information at face value; value the opinions of doctors and experts.
Small Practical Tips
- Regularly check and update medication information.
- Share medical information with family and friends to deepen knowledge.
5. What Would You Do?
- How do you obtain and utilize information about medications?
- How will you respond when personalized medicine becomes widespread?
- How do you evaluate and judge information about side effects?
What kind of future have you envisioned? Please let us know through social media quotes or comments.