Lifestyle Drugs: Ethical and Practical Issues

The 2001 article examines the rise of lifestyle drugs, which are used to address conditions often considered under personal control, such as alopecia, obesity, and smoking cessation. These drugs are classified based on their use rather than their properties. The article discusses the difficulty in defining medical necessity and the distinction between treatment and enhancement, highlighting the ethical and practical issues that arise from the medicalization of lifestyle desires. It emphasizes the need for consensus on values and strategies among all stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, insurers, and patients. The case of finasteride is mentioned as an example of a drug with both medical and lifestyle applications. The article stresses the importance of pharmacoeconomic studies to determine the cost-benefit of lifestyle drugs and suggests cost-sharing as a potential solution for equitable access. The conclusion calls for a balance between individual healthcare needs and societal resources, advocating for compassionate application of policies.