We’re Speaking Out on Health Issues

NCHR scientists and health policy experts provide written and oral statements on a wide range of topics.

Here are many of the ways we have been Speaking Out on Health Policy Issues for the last few years. Whether the topic is legislation intended to cure diseases, proposed bans on BPA or other chemicals that disrupt your hormones, the importance of including women, people of color, and patients over 65 in clinical trials, or many other topics, you’ll gain a better understanding of our evidence-based analyses by reading these letters, statements, and testimony.

Here are the ways we have been Speaking out on Medical Treatments and Products, such as prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA is considering approving, or is considering taking off the market because of serious risks. Whether the topic is Chantix, Addyi, Yaz, Essure, or medical products you’ve never heard of, you can find out more about what is known and not known about the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of products by looking through this section of our website.

NCHR Testimony on Tramadol and Celecoxib for Acute Pain Relief

January 15, 2020. There is absolutely no evidence that this combination drug with an opioid is as effective or more effective than a standard dose of just the NSAID.

NCHR Testimony on SABER-Bupivacaine for Post-Surgery Pain Relief

January 16, 2020. There is not good evidence that SABER-bupivacaine provides a meaningful benefit to patients, and certainly not proven that the benefits outweigh the possible risks. Most important, the sponsor has not proven that this formulation of the drug works better or is safer than the opioid, bupivacaine. Bupivacaine itself has been on the market for decades, is available as a generic, and does not have these new safety concerns. Thus, there is no reason to approve this drug just to have “another tool” when there is no evidence that it is a better tool than currently available options.

National Center for Health Research Statement on Oxycodegol Before the FDA Advisory Committees

January 14, 2020. This FDA hearing was about the risks and benefits of a new opioid, oxycodegol, for the management of chronic lower back pain. We pointed out that experts now agree that patients with chronic pain should not be started on opioids, which are less effective than other options.

Written Statement to the First Selectman’s Capital Improvement Program’s Public Hearing Regarding Dangers of Artificial Turf

January 9, 2020. Officials in communities all over the country have been misled by artificial turf salespeople. They were erroneously told that these products are safe. But on the contrary, there is clear scientific evidence that these materials are potentially harmful. The only question is how harmful and how much exposure is likely to be harmful? We should not be willing to take such a risk. Our children deserve better.