The search for “real world” experience is probably one reason why you are here, reading my post today and posts of other patients here everyday.  We have come to trust other patients more than we trust the drug companies (who really do provide products we need) or sometimes our physicians (if we feel that we’re not being heard and respected as engaged patients).  Read “MS Can Take a Hike!” for more on my views of patient empowerment and community.

But what I wonder is - What are your thoughts when it comes to pharma marketing or open conversations with pharma representatives?

Have you ever reported an adverse event whether to your doctor, the pharma company of the product associated with the event, or directly to the FDA?  You can learn how to report serious adverse events on the MedWatch website.

What type of advertising do you find useful and pertinent to your interests and needs?  Do you find that type of advertising here on HealthCentral? (This is a question just for my personal interest and is unlikely to be noticed by executives of HealthCentral.)

Chris Schroeder has made available his testimony for the FDA hearings.  A number of speakers have uploaded their testimonies for HealthCentral to share ahead of time, while links to more presentations can be found.  In addition, several of the speakers have made their presentations available on their own blogs or company websites.

A website, FDASM, has been set-up to collect information and conversation surrounding the hearings.  Live-streaming of the public hearings will be made available.

For those who may be interested in submitting comments to the FDA before the deadline on Feb 28, 2010, please consult the original FDA announcement of the hearings.

I invite you to share your initial thoughts here in the comments section.

Lisa Emrich is author of the blog Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA and founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers.