Are You Aware Of The CYNICAL INFLUENCE Of The DRUG COMPANIES Over The Medical Profession?

Question

Are you aware that today's medical profession is largely controlled by the drug industry- they sponsor research (which has a strong tendency to find favorableresults far more often than independent research) they sponsor symposiums, medical universities continuing education for practicing physicians they have an army of highly trained sales reps armed with PSUEDO SCINTIFIC LITERATURE painting the drug companies wares in the most glowing light.


And of course there are the freebies which range from logo-bearing office knick knacks to free dinners to paid vacations at resorts. Basically modern medicine revolves around a drug dominated culture Doctors are carefully conditioned and MANIPULATED by drug companies for the companies OWN FINANCIAL BENEFIT NOT FOR THE PATIENTS!

As in any profession ONLY A SMALL FEW doctors will step outside of the square see what is REALLY going on and rise above the rest of the pack




Are you aware of this?


ANTHONY COLPO

Answer 1

I agree with you, they have gone too far, even arranging summer tours for doctors, paying the entire expenses A to Z, not new for me. Partnership in the enterprise; and all other kick backs where possible, leaving no stone unturned. They have even invaded the pharmacologists of targeted hospitals. It is also difficult to buy poison for a large number of patient, than to bear the expenses of ICU. I call them pharmacy mafia. There is too much to write but limiting myself because of personal commitment.

Answer 2

I think that a lot of drug companies have gone too far when it comes to advertising.

Most doctors are not even aware of how much they have been influenced. They think they have evaluated the information and formed their own opinions. But ask them what they think about a particular drug and it comes amazing close to what the drug company says about their drug. Even a small thing like a pen with a brand name on it can effect how often a doctor prescribes that drug.

Some hospitals have policies limiting access to doctors. My hospital has adopted a no gifts policy. You can't accept any item from a drug rep regardless of price. Any program that the drug rep wants to do has to go through the education department and get approval before presentation. Finally, we are allowed to go to educational drug dinners, but cannot bring a spouse.

Another issue that you may not have thought of is direct to consumer advertising. Commercials on TV have greatly increased the use of those products. Not always a good thing. People see commercials of happy people running through fields of flowers and suddenly decide they want to be on Clarinex as well.

I would much prefer this money was redirected into medical research.

Answer 3

Yes, I am quite aware of all this. My primary doc does sometimes step 'outside the box'...especially when I go to him with my own research.

However, you should realize that the drug companies are in business to make money...just like any other business, and they will take the most profitable path ... just like any other business.

It is really up to the patient to challenge the docs when being diagnose/prescribed.

Answer 4

Yes.