Overtreated | Arthritis Information
I just finished a book entitled "Overtreated: Why Too Much Medicine Is Making Us Sicker And Poorer by Shannon Brownlee. Has anyone else read it? I was surprised to learn that the FDA permits the employ of some big pharma co. doctors to sit on their approval boards. I think this is wrong, wrong, wrong. Also, there is much info in this book about how the pharma reps prime up the docs to push their company's meds. One chapter of this book describes a survey, (can't remember the details) that was taken, wherein doctors were asked how they decided which meds to prescribe for a given condition. The number one response was: they prescribe based on the info they received from the drug rep regarding the med. Dispensing based on the doctor's self study of the med came in 3rd. I have a close relative (we share the same parents) who has been a physician for 30yrs. I recently asked about some of the things I had read in this book. For example: that from the time a person enters med school, the pharma reps are stuffing their lockers with perks of one kind or another (free dinners, sports tix, theater seats, etc.). The response was, " yes, it happened a lot."
K.
Katalina2008-02-08 19:20:41That's not the half of it. It's been going on forever and there is now a movement within the physician community to do away with all freebies from the drug reps and not accept any more items, including note pads.
Some physicians and clinics are banning drug reps from the office. I think we'll see more physicians taking responsibility and not allowing drug reps to have access to their offices. It's taken many years to get to this point and it will take years for it to swing in the opposite direction but it's starting. I'd like to see reps only drop off package information and samples of drugs to the doctor's offices. With so many meds hitting the market it's impossible for medical personnel to keep current and reps can help in that area. I think the age of free trips, dinners, and other gifts to the doctors is over.
Just think of how much cheaper some of our meds could be, if we weren't helping pay for free flights, and high-end dinners, and other things.
I think we should get a free flight and full-course meal with every 10th purchase. I'm going hoard all my coupons until I'm able to travel around the world for a month or so. You know, fly a place and stay a night or two and then move on to the next tourist town. Katie, I'll be hitting you up for room deals.
I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me today! I've taken my Ambien so I should be going to sleep soon and hopefully staying that way.
Here, in 2002, we see JAMA says they don't disclose their financial ties.
A Blog reports - on HARVARD
The NEW DISCLOSURE LAWS - Kinda makes you sick, doesn't it?
And the big JAMA article itself -
Pip
I think we should get a money back guarantee on the meds. Why NOT? A lot of businesses have money back guarantee. If it doesn't work, you get $ back. I have spent so much money on meds that haven't worked for me only to throw them in the trash when dr puts me on something else.
My sister is an rn in FL and she has told me some stories of all the stuff they get from the drug reps. It's crazy.!!!
My hubby is in the glass business, if he puts in a window that leaks, he has to fix it for free or give them their money back.
Wouldn't that be great! I know it will never happen, but I can dream. LOL
Right on CinDee!! We should get money back if it doesn't work, and extra money back if there were side effects or a bad reaction. And Mel, I think you're on to something too. Gosh, if they started giving rewards points for the patients buying prescriptions, my hubby might actually start taking the meds he's supposed to.We're the ones who should get the freebies, I want a trip to somewhere warm and dry, please.
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