KIE: Controversy in West Germany over the book Bittere Pillen has drawn attention to the need of physicians and patients for simple, straightforward drug information. The book, which provides information about the effects and economics of more than 2,000 prescription drugs available in West Germany and Austria, has sold very well despite criticism that its approach is unsystematic, impressionistic, incomplete, out-of-date, and misleading. Lorenz, a physician, sees Bittere Pillen as answering a need, albeit imperfectly, and asks why doctors did not write the book first.