Polypill May Not Be The Cure All

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The concept of a polypill, or one pill containing several medications, has been around for many years.

The example often given is one for heart disease. A "cardiovascular" polypill could combine 4-5 agents including aspirin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, and blood-pressure lowering drugs. It has been suggested this could make it easier for patients to take all of their pills without confusion but there are some problems with "one pill to cure them all".

Taking a pill like this could lead to side effects that are difficult to control. One medication could interact with another and it would be virtually impossible to figure out why and how it is happening. But there is no doubt that it would sell well and be easy to market.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor