Quote of the Day: Giving Out Controlled Drugs Like Candy is Dangerous and Irresponsible (and Dr. Ronny Jackson is In Charge at the White House Clinic) — Art Caplan, NYU School of Medicine

“Giving out Ambien or Provigil sleep aids ‘like candy’ as alleged is still dangerous and irresponsible because these drugs have notorious side effects,” said Art Caplan, director of the division of medical ethics at the New York University School of Medicine. “You really don’t want to be cavalier about it. These drugs are prescription for a reason — not the same as an over-the-counter drug.”

quoted from a Microsoft news feed and CNN about the bungled nomination of Dr. Ronny Jackson, the president’s personal physician and head of the White House medical unit; extremely loose prescribing practices with, in particular, Ambien (a hypnotic or sleeping pill) and Provigil (a stimulant with effects somewhat similar to amphetamine and Ritalin); also, the dispensing of so-called “Z packs” of an antibiotic (azithromycin) for upper respiratory infections (a popular placebo for cold and sore throat) on request without an examination, much less a physician’s signature.  Worst of all were allegations that pills were missing and pill counts were impossible due to poor documentation– a sure sign of drug pilfering and possibly, someone on the staff having a problem with addiction.

It is clear that Ronny (!) is out of his league when it comes to administering a clinic full of entitled, ambitious politicians, much less the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com and RonnyK)