Problems and perils of prescription medicines.

Most of the advertising material and articles in scientific journals about new drugs focus on their potential benefits. Data on the safety and tolerability of drugs are collected and carefully analysed during clinical trials, but the scope of this information is limited. Safe use of medicines requires a balanced assessment of both risks and benefits. This symposium at the Royal College of Physicians sought to highlight current issues in assessing the risks associated with prescription medicines. The result was a lively and informative debate with insights and challenges for prescribers and drug developers alike. This report focuses on the issues of most interest to drug developers.