Consumer Reports offers drug tips

BOSTON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Consumer Reports has gotten into the fuss over prescription drugs with its first informational series on the matter.

Publishers of the non-profit magazine compared the effectiveness and cost of prescription drugs to help patients wade through skyrocketing costs, heavy advertising and occasionally dangerous side effects, the Boston Globe said.

The magazine released the first wave of reports Thursday on three classes of drugs: those treating high cholesterol, heartburn and arthritis pain. About 20 classes of drugs will be studied.

The reports include the familiar, user-friendly charts that enable shoppers to check for price and quality. Each of the reports contains a discussion on safety and possible side effects.

The move joins a broad trend toward putting more responsibility for healthcare in the hands of consumers.