New survey finds strong American public interest in prescription drug safety issues

The American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies announced the results from a national survey assessing public views on safety of prescription medicines, the Food and Drug Administration, and overall satisfaction with the US health care system, at a press conference in Washington DC.

"At a time when Congress is debating the FDA Revitalization Act (FDARA) to strengthen the safety of prescription medicines and overhaul the FDA, this survey validates that drug safety is a real concern for the American public," said James Thurber, Director, Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, American University. "The survey shows some support for the concept of FDARA, however, there is a clear desire and expectation among participants for regulators to balance speed of approvals with their responsibility of reducing safety risks," he added.

Key survey findings include: