pleiotrope

Anecdotally, I just installed this font on OS X and don't notice this issue. It may have been resolved, or perhaps was only an issue in Ubuntu?

I think you're correct. The example given in the linked article mentions dry mouth, but it's arguably important in double-blind studies to have both the controls and test groups develop similar side effects, to prevent both the patient and the administering physician from determining which is the placebo group. I don't think it's entirely due to nefarious motives from the drug company.