Letter: Opinion on drug Humira called into question

I was very disappointed with the column written on Dec. 29 by my friend, Kevin Cotter, regarding his "medical opinion" blasting the biological drug Humira.

The new biological class of drugs, of which Humira is one, has improved the quality of life and saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Yes, these and all medications have potential side effects.

However, unless Kevin suffers from total body psoriasis himself that can destroy a person's life or unless Kevin treats these patients on a daily basis witnessing this suffering, I feel that he should reserve his attacks on a drug that he clearly has no experience with.

Modern medications have performed miracles for millions of people. Doctors must weigh risks versus benefits with all treatments. For most patients, the benefits of a medication like Humira far outweigh the risks.

There is no food or vitamin sold at a market that will control extensive psoriasis. My family and I will continue to shop at Kevin's New Earth Market, but we will encourage our friends and patients to not follow his uninformed medical advice.

Dr. Robert Peppercorn

Yuba City