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Medicines That Kill: The Truth about the Hidden Epidemic
The recent deaths of celebrities like Michael Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, and Whitney Houston have shown a spotlight on the overuse and abuse of prescription drugs. Most people believe that prescription drugs are safer than illegal substances. But, when combined with other over-the-counter sedatives, prescription drugs can be every bit as powerful, addictive, and dangerous. In 2006, overdoses on a class of prescription pain relievers called opioid analgesics killed more people than those killed by overdoses on cocaine and heroin combined. Right now, among 35 to 54 year olds, poisoning by prescription drugs is the most common cause of accidental death―even more so than auto-related deaths. In Medicines That Kill , Dr. Marcum shines a light on the addictive power of prescription medication and how you can protect yourself and your family by practicing healthy habits.
- GenresMedicineNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2013
7 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
James L. Marcum
4 books2 followersJames L. Marcum, board-certified cardiologist practicing with Chattanooga Heart Institute, has been named by USA Today as one of the most influential physicians in his field. He is an in-demand speaker as director of Heartwise Ministries. Currently, his radio program, Heartwise, airs on more than 500 radio stations across the nation. Dr. Marcum, speaker/director of HeartWise Ministries, hosts the health programs "Heart of Health" and "BibleRX" which can be seen on secular and Christian television. He is married to Sonya and has two children, Kelli and Jake. He enjoys music and outdoor activities.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 21, 2018
For actual content, I would give this four stars. This book could have used some heavy editing - there's a lot of repetition in the content, and some sections (particularly those involving statistics) are kind of jumbled and confusing. Also, I felt like this book really only scratched the surface of all the main issues brought up. To be honest, some of the chapters could be developed into a book all their own.
However, I found myself mentally nodding my head as I read the book. I completely agree with his main premise, that medicine should be looked at by the average consumer as a dangerous substance, only needed when the potential benefit outweighs the risk. There was a lot of anecdotal evidence from his own experience as a cardiologist to support his claims, as well as reference to such statistics as he could find. There was some -although honestly not as much as I would have liked - scientific and medical explanation regarding the harm of various substances.
I particularly appreciated the Bible-based approach. I didn't realize the book was written by a Christian author until after I had started reading it, so that was a pleasant surprise. Although non-believers might not understand or agree, there's a lot of truth in his assertions that the first place to start in order to regain health is with a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I also appreciated his brief consideration of what Biblical principles (mostly taken from the story of Creation - I'd never considered it in that light before, and it was very thought-provoking) apply to developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
I give it five stars for that reason, and because it takes a lot of strength of character for a doctor to speak out against mainstream pharmaceutical practices.
However, I found myself mentally nodding my head as I read the book. I completely agree with his main premise, that medicine should be looked at by the average consumer as a dangerous substance, only needed when the potential benefit outweighs the risk. There was a lot of anecdotal evidence from his own experience as a cardiologist to support his claims, as well as reference to such statistics as he could find. There was some -although honestly not as much as I would have liked - scientific and medical explanation regarding the harm of various substances.
I particularly appreciated the Bible-based approach. I didn't realize the book was written by a Christian author until after I had started reading it, so that was a pleasant surprise. Although non-believers might not understand or agree, there's a lot of truth in his assertions that the first place to start in order to regain health is with a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I also appreciated his brief consideration of what Biblical principles (mostly taken from the story of Creation - I'd never considered it in that light before, and it was very thought-provoking) apply to developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
I give it five stars for that reason, and because it takes a lot of strength of character for a doctor to speak out against mainstream pharmaceutical practices.
February 9, 2013
Dr James L Marcum is a cardiologist who believes that the Western world is overmedicated and suffering from it.
He provides some compelling evidence in the form of many patients who have found themselves in a cascade of medication (one medication leads to weight gain, which leads to medication for blood pressure, which leads to medication for blood sugar issues, which leads to medication for pain etc).
He also provides some compelling cases of patients who simply weren't informed (or didn't listen when they were informed) about how to take their medication, and inadvertently took overdoses, with some leading to death.
There is absolutely much truth in this, but I found the way that Marcum presents his arguments to end up being undermined by two things. First - he asserts time and time again that lifestyle is more important than medication. Absolutely, for some things that's true (for example, if someone's medical issues are caused by being sedentary and eating a bad diet in the first place). There are many issues for which that isn't true - many people with chronic illness still need medication even after improving their lifestyle (and a caveat here that I have a chronic illness and thus, probably a bias here.)
There is also much implication that the majority of patients don't want to be informed about the potential side effects of their medication. While this is true for many people, it is not true for all. I know many people who suffer from chronic illness and take medication for it, and almost all of them research their medications exhaustively. I believe that the onus for this information needs to fall on the medical profession (which, to be fair, many GPs are simply lacking in time). In my experience, none of my doctors have ever been pill pushers - they have always hesitated to add medication, and have always seen that I am provided with data sheets (and often, my pharmacist also provides the same). This is just my personal experience, and clearly may not be everyone's (and, according to Marcum, is hardly anyone's).
And lastly, I have to touch on the Christian element. No doubt those reading this who are Christians will find the reliance on the Bible to back up Marcum's arguments soothing. I am a non-Christian, and in an otherwise scientific text, I found this jarring, and frankly, it undercut a lot of Marcum's arguments. You can't quote patient histories and then turn around and quote the Bible as argument for improvement of lifestyle without it undermining your scientific basis.
In short, some interesting stuff in here, but many will probably want to skip some chapters.
He provides some compelling evidence in the form of many patients who have found themselves in a cascade of medication (one medication leads to weight gain, which leads to medication for blood pressure, which leads to medication for blood sugar issues, which leads to medication for pain etc).
He also provides some compelling cases of patients who simply weren't informed (or didn't listen when they were informed) about how to take their medication, and inadvertently took overdoses, with some leading to death.
There is absolutely much truth in this, but I found the way that Marcum presents his arguments to end up being undermined by two things. First - he asserts time and time again that lifestyle is more important than medication. Absolutely, for some things that's true (for example, if someone's medical issues are caused by being sedentary and eating a bad diet in the first place). There are many issues for which that isn't true - many people with chronic illness still need medication even after improving their lifestyle (and a caveat here that I have a chronic illness and thus, probably a bias here.)
There is also much implication that the majority of patients don't want to be informed about the potential side effects of their medication. While this is true for many people, it is not true for all. I know many people who suffer from chronic illness and take medication for it, and almost all of them research their medications exhaustively. I believe that the onus for this information needs to fall on the medical profession (which, to be fair, many GPs are simply lacking in time). In my experience, none of my doctors have ever been pill pushers - they have always hesitated to add medication, and have always seen that I am provided with data sheets (and often, my pharmacist also provides the same). This is just my personal experience, and clearly may not be everyone's (and, according to Marcum, is hardly anyone's).
And lastly, I have to touch on the Christian element. No doubt those reading this who are Christians will find the reliance on the Bible to back up Marcum's arguments soothing. I am a non-Christian, and in an otherwise scientific text, I found this jarring, and frankly, it undercut a lot of Marcum's arguments. You can't quote patient histories and then turn around and quote the Bible as argument for improvement of lifestyle without it undermining your scientific basis.
In short, some interesting stuff in here, but many will probably want to skip some chapters.
nope-not-interested
March 18, 2013I don't think I need to know anything further:
"Most people believe that prescription drugs are safer than illegal substances."
Um, no, and if they do then they are complete idiots. Drugs are drugs. Drugs have side effects and bad interactions. That is why good doctors weigh the risk to the potential benefit. Everything has a benefit, everything has a risk. The epidemic of prescription drugs abuse has many facets and none of them have to do with the drugs themselves. If that isn't common sense...well, they're this author from the sounds of it.
"Most people believe that prescription drugs are safer than illegal substances."
Um, no, and if they do then they are complete idiots. Drugs are drugs. Drugs have side effects and bad interactions. That is why good doctors weigh the risk to the potential benefit. Everything has a benefit, everything has a risk. The epidemic of prescription drugs abuse has many facets and none of them have to do with the drugs themselves. If that isn't common sense...well, they're this author from the sounds of it.
October 9, 2019
This book is a game changer. Seriously, go read this book, now. Sometime you think you know about certain topics & then you come across something like this that makes you really think about how it's even possible. I mean I know the evils of pharmaceuticals but this really takes it to another level. The big pharma industry is a multi billion dollar industry & only getting bigger. I do understand the necessity but it is out of control. we can't cure the common cold or really any other viral disease but yet we spend craploads of money on such things like research.
Medicine is supposed to help us not hurt us. There are those cases where it doesn't work or you end up immune to it or have allergic reaction. This is becoming the new norm though which is bad news for everyone. When you have drugs that when taken have a such awful side effects that you need another medication for the side effect it has now caused it a big problem. It's a vicious cycle that most people don't really understand the harm in it. For some people it is deadly & that is not should be allowed to happen, yet it does.
You take a risk in everything you do, whether getting in your car, or even walking up/down the stairs. The whole thing is the chances are slim to hurt yourself in those circumstances. People are under the impression that a pill will help cure whatever ails them, but that isn't always the case. That is the easy way out & it should not be the default. Your body responds to what you put inside of it, that's just how it works. Doesn't matter if good or bad, it will respond & then you have to deal w/ those consequences.
I was so impressed reading this book & knowing that if only people read this would they think twice about actually thinking that all the medications are making them better. It's a shame that more medical professionals don't share the same ideas as this could make a world of difference in someone living a healthy life. I would say the only reason I didn't give this book five stars had to do w/ the end when the topic of god & jesus came about which I did not really care for. I know some people need that faith in order to make sense out of the world, but just not for me. Everything else about this book was simply great & learned so much by it, you will too.
Medicine is supposed to help us not hurt us. There are those cases where it doesn't work or you end up immune to it or have allergic reaction. This is becoming the new norm though which is bad news for everyone. When you have drugs that when taken have a such awful side effects that you need another medication for the side effect it has now caused it a big problem. It's a vicious cycle that most people don't really understand the harm in it. For some people it is deadly & that is not should be allowed to happen, yet it does.
You take a risk in everything you do, whether getting in your car, or even walking up/down the stairs. The whole thing is the chances are slim to hurt yourself in those circumstances. People are under the impression that a pill will help cure whatever ails them, but that isn't always the case. That is the easy way out & it should not be the default. Your body responds to what you put inside of it, that's just how it works. Doesn't matter if good or bad, it will respond & then you have to deal w/ those consequences.
I was so impressed reading this book & knowing that if only people read this would they think twice about actually thinking that all the medications are making them better. It's a shame that more medical professionals don't share the same ideas as this could make a world of difference in someone living a healthy life. I would say the only reason I didn't give this book five stars had to do w/ the end when the topic of god & jesus came about which I did not really care for. I know some people need that faith in order to make sense out of the world, but just not for me. Everything else about this book was simply great & learned so much by it, you will too.
June 19, 2019
Medicines foundations on not doing harm...with quotes provided. Merck paid out in 2010 for RA meds....this book provides a boulder instead of grain of salt to access medicine with. I liked at the end where the author decided to add his christian perspective as well and adding 7 days 7 laws vs Satan's attack. It did make it more personal as it wasn't a scientific paper publishing but convincing the common reader.
May 25, 2025
This book made me more aware of over-the-counter drugs and how wrongly prescribed medicine can lead to someone's death. I also learned (in an interesting way) how some methods can slowly lead to a person's demise, iykyk, just kidding. What I really appreciated is how the last chapters focused on being thankful to God. This was the first book that got me hooked on collecting more books
January 26, 2013
A caring physician, Dr. Marcum, wrote this book because of the concern he has that many people swallow pills without knowing what is in them. He suggests people need to educate themselves about the ingredients and side effects of all medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter.
The doctor is very concerned that people do not realize the dangerous side effects almost every drug has the possibility of causing. Also, some drugs could have side effects that have caused another medication to be prescribed. That in turn has a side effect that has caused yet another medication to be taken. He wants to break that chain if at all possible.
Good points are made that some people have been on drugs for a long time, way past the point of needing them. The doctor suggests that as time passes, people may acquire many medications that are taken on a regular basis. He wants everyone to review what is taken, why it is prescribed and question whether or not it is still needed.
He has a few basic steps that he would like everyone to try. As a Christian, he would like everyone to start with getting in touch with God through prayer, Bible reading and meditation. Water drinking, not other liquids, is something the doctor wants everyone to do daily as well as deep breathing, and starting some sort of movement program–that would hopefully turn into a regular exercise routine. He also wants people to become partial or complete vegetarians. Although he said he would like people to reduce their medications, it is clear he would like everyone to be completely off all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
I completely agree that people need to be aware of the ingredients and side effects of medications put into their bodies. It is a very good idea to review what is being taken by themselves or other relatives to see if it is still needed. Of course, everyone can do themselves some good by making healthier life choices.
However, my concern is that people with chronic or severe problems might try to quit taking something that is really helpful. Unfortunately, some medications truly are needed. For example, many people are faced with the choice every day of fighting debilitating pain or getting a small bit of relief. Eating things high in fish oil and deep breathing have their place, but they cannot always substitute for pain medications or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The author suggests that people might cut back medications, and endure more pain, in order to lessen the load on the body. I don’t know how realistic that is for someone who is in enormous pain.
In my opinion, in today’s health care climate, everyone needs to be an advocate or have an advocate to help them question and check every medication and procedure a person might take. I encourage everyone to attempt to add Dr. Marcum’s habits to their lives, but be aware after doing those things, you might not be able to become drug free. However, if you are able to do at least one of the doctor’s suggestions, I believe that would make this book worth reading. I think everyone should read this, and think about what the doctor says. I give the book 4 stars.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Tyndale Blog Network (Tyndale House Publishers) for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
My blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/2013/0...
Author Websites:
http://www.heartwiseministries.org/
http://heart.memorial.org/choose…
http://www.facebook.com/pages/He…
http://www.heartwiseministries.o…
The doctor is very concerned that people do not realize the dangerous side effects almost every drug has the possibility of causing. Also, some drugs could have side effects that have caused another medication to be prescribed. That in turn has a side effect that has caused yet another medication to be taken. He wants to break that chain if at all possible.
Good points are made that some people have been on drugs for a long time, way past the point of needing them. The doctor suggests that as time passes, people may acquire many medications that are taken on a regular basis. He wants everyone to review what is taken, why it is prescribed and question whether or not it is still needed.
He has a few basic steps that he would like everyone to try. As a Christian, he would like everyone to start with getting in touch with God through prayer, Bible reading and meditation. Water drinking, not other liquids, is something the doctor wants everyone to do daily as well as deep breathing, and starting some sort of movement program–that would hopefully turn into a regular exercise routine. He also wants people to become partial or complete vegetarians. Although he said he would like people to reduce their medications, it is clear he would like everyone to be completely off all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
I completely agree that people need to be aware of the ingredients and side effects of medications put into their bodies. It is a very good idea to review what is being taken by themselves or other relatives to see if it is still needed. Of course, everyone can do themselves some good by making healthier life choices.
However, my concern is that people with chronic or severe problems might try to quit taking something that is really helpful. Unfortunately, some medications truly are needed. For example, many people are faced with the choice every day of fighting debilitating pain or getting a small bit of relief. Eating things high in fish oil and deep breathing have their place, but they cannot always substitute for pain medications or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The author suggests that people might cut back medications, and endure more pain, in order to lessen the load on the body. I don’t know how realistic that is for someone who is in enormous pain.
In my opinion, in today’s health care climate, everyone needs to be an advocate or have an advocate to help them question and check every medication and procedure a person might take. I encourage everyone to attempt to add Dr. Marcum’s habits to their lives, but be aware after doing those things, you might not be able to become drug free. However, if you are able to do at least one of the doctor’s suggestions, I believe that would make this book worth reading. I think everyone should read this, and think about what the doctor says. I give the book 4 stars.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Tyndale Blog Network (Tyndale House Publishers) for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
My blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/2013/0...
Author Websites:
http://www.heartwiseministries.org/
http://heart.memorial.org/choose…
http://www.facebook.com/pages/He…
http://www.heartwiseministries.o…
March 26, 2013
The first ten chapters of this book are about “what the medical community isn’t telling you” (phrase from back cover). The statistics of the frequency and quantity of deaths and mistakes with medicines is staggering and appalling.
The different sample stories help the reader to envision how easily this epidemic could happen to them or to one of their loved ones.
The first ten chapters are the bad news but it’s worth the wait, or if need be, it is worth it for Christians to skip ahead to chapter eleven. The first ten chapters are not “Christian” in nature, but very medical in nature. Starting in chapter eleven the author goes over biblical laws of health that he draws from the seven days of creation.
I found some of the health connections fascinating and thought they were well needed information or reminders of how God designed our bodies and what is needed to properly take care of them. Humans tend to ignore some basic elements of health such as the importance of water, air, sunlight and rest.
If you’ve never heard about the epidemic of deaths and medical mistakes made with medicines than you need to get this book. This information is hard to find. The medical community doesn’t like to admit what’s really going on. If you need to learn basic biblical health laws then this book is for you, too. Please read my disclaimer below on the health information.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 225: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Personal health disclaimer: Being a weight loss and wellness coach I can not leave off where I disagree on at least one thing lest people think I agree from my silence. I disagree with this author’s unqualified statement about animal fat being bad for you. It depends on the animal—how it was raised and fed. The author also only talks about the health issues mentioned in Genesis chapter one but totally leaves out any reference to the flood later on in Genesis where we are commanded to eat animals. Most creation scientists will tell you that the earth was a completely different place prior to the flood and prior to rain falling upon the earth. My contention is that it is the drastic difference in the earth after the flood that caused our great decline in lifespan, and not meat eating as some people claim. No, instead God commanded us to eat meat because He knew we would need it after the world had changed.
The different sample stories help the reader to envision how easily this epidemic could happen to them or to one of their loved ones.
The first ten chapters are the bad news but it’s worth the wait, or if need be, it is worth it for Christians to skip ahead to chapter eleven. The first ten chapters are not “Christian” in nature, but very medical in nature. Starting in chapter eleven the author goes over biblical laws of health that he draws from the seven days of creation.
I found some of the health connections fascinating and thought they were well needed information or reminders of how God designed our bodies and what is needed to properly take care of them. Humans tend to ignore some basic elements of health such as the importance of water, air, sunlight and rest.
If you’ve never heard about the epidemic of deaths and medical mistakes made with medicines than you need to get this book. This information is hard to find. The medical community doesn’t like to admit what’s really going on. If you need to learn basic biblical health laws then this book is for you, too. Please read my disclaimer below on the health information.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 225: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Personal health disclaimer: Being a weight loss and wellness coach I can not leave off where I disagree on at least one thing lest people think I agree from my silence. I disagree with this author’s unqualified statement about animal fat being bad for you. It depends on the animal—how it was raised and fed. The author also only talks about the health issues mentioned in Genesis chapter one but totally leaves out any reference to the flood later on in Genesis where we are commanded to eat animals. Most creation scientists will tell you that the earth was a completely different place prior to the flood and prior to rain falling upon the earth. My contention is that it is the drastic difference in the earth after the flood that caused our great decline in lifespan, and not meat eating as some people claim. No, instead God commanded us to eat meat because He knew we would need it after the world had changed.
April 3, 2016
Author James L. Marcum MD explores our nation's escalating problem of drug abuse, particularly prescription drug abuse . Too many individuals are blinded by the fact that a drug can be fatal if it is prescribed by a physician. Nothing is further from the truth as is outlined in this recent publication. This book is a must read for everyone because drug abuse is so prevalant in society today and most everybody knows someone perplexed by this problem. Dr. Marcum does a fine job in covering the following topics: medications can kill, medications that do kill and medications have killed. My only concern being that he tends to overlook the fact that there are people who do need specific medication and that this can safely be done if the patient follows as prescribed. Ironically, I have been in a chronic pain clinic for six years and have a stellar specialist. The pain that I live with daily causes my hypertension to skyrocket even with high blood pressure medication. My doctor prescribes my medication to also keep my blood pressure at a reasonable rating. The pain clinic I am a part of is very strict. All patients must get all of their medications from one pharmacy location that keeps a record of everything you may have to take from all doctors, this way there is no duplication of prescriptions. Every client must have urine testing often and blood testing. I have always known the seriousness of the medications that I am on and have always feared taking too much. I am thankful for the safe enviroment provided by our Chronic Pain Clinic. Not everyone is tempted too take to many or abuse drugs and likewise there are doctors who are concerned for their patients. I was offered to read this book for the Tyndale Network in exchange for my review. I do applaud Dr. Marcum for pointing out the dangers of drug abuse but I also know that it is of utmost importance to follow your doctor's plan of care first. No one should ever stop taking prescription drugs without your doctors consent as many medications require weaning. This book tends to lean more towards individuals who use drugs for recreation or getting high. Marcum list a number of alternative solutions to taking drugs, again check with your physician.
January 18, 2013
Author James L. Marcum brings to light a growing epidemic of people misusing prescription drugs by thinking if one can do then one more will not hurt. they don't realize that overuse and taking more than the directions say is misuse. The patients need to realize that every prescription they take is important because of drug interactions can be fatal. This books also brings out in the open, how many people when filling out forms at the doctors office they don't ask for help if they don't understand something. The Doctors and patients need to work together to get the right medications for the Illness.
I really enjoyed this book as It makes one think about how easy it is to just to take medicines, than make the changes in diet that are necessary for Good Health.
I received this book from Tyndale for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book as It makes one think about how easy it is to just to take medicines, than make the changes in diet that are necessary for Good Health.
I received this book from Tyndale for an honest review.
February 2, 2013
Medicines That Kill by James Marcum can be found by searching ISBN # 978-1-4143-6885-6, and it is from Tyndale Publishing:
It seems as if everywhere we turn there is some kind of epistle from a doctor of some sorts telling us about the dangers of medicine and more. To be honest, I have gotten quite tired of hearing the complaints and the issues. And I would rather not take any meds if I could help it.
But we have to at times. Dr. James L. Marcum gives a very convincing and credible argument that medicines can kill, and more specifically if used wrongly.
A board-certified behavioral cardiologist In Chattanooga, Marcum uses this opportunity to give a plan of spiritual and physical health from the Bible.
It is an interesting read.
It seems as if everywhere we turn there is some kind of epistle from a doctor of some sorts telling us about the dangers of medicine and more. To be honest, I have gotten quite tired of hearing the complaints and the issues. And I would rather not take any meds if I could help it.
But we have to at times. Dr. James L. Marcum gives a very convincing and credible argument that medicines can kill, and more specifically if used wrongly.
A board-certified behavioral cardiologist In Chattanooga, Marcum uses this opportunity to give a plan of spiritual and physical health from the Bible.
It is an interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews