Big Pharma and Perverse Incentives

Many commercials feature catchy tunes for viewers to enjoy, but things take a serious turn when a somber voice lists the numerous potential side effects of the medication, culminating in the mention of “possible death.” The inclusion of such a grave warning might seem overly dramatic, if not slightly amusing. However, this raises the question – is this practice acceptable? Should pharmaceutical companies have the ability to advertise directly to consumers? It may come as a surprise, but only the United States and New Zealand permit direct-to-consumer marketing of prescription drugs. Notably, Big Pharma is set to allocate billion towards advertising this year, marking a 5 percent increase from the previous year.

Is this ethical? Probably not. Let’s dive in, shall we? Let’s use Jardiance, for example. Jardiance is a type 2 diabetes drug that works by blocking the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2, aka it stops sugar from being reabsorbed in the kidneys and forces the body to urinate it out. It does have a benefit in people at high risk of cardiovascular death, which makes it popular in the treatment of diabetes. Thirty pills cost (at wholesale price) about $585.00. The problem? In studies, it lowers A1c only about 0.7-0.9 percent. Goal A1c (the measure of blood sugar over three months) is <7 percent. Let’s look at a popular drug that’s been around much, much longer — metformin. Metformin, the generic for Glucophage, went generic in 2000. it costs actual pennies, and you can get a 90-day supply for about $5-10 at some pharmacies. It can lower A1c ~1.5-2 percent. It is pretty well tolerated, aside from some possible GI side effects. 

Let’s say we have a diabetes patient with an A1c of 9 percent. That means your average blood sugar level is 212mg/dl. Reference for normal while fasting is 70-100 mg/dl, and a normal random draw should be less than 125mg/dl. Goal A1c is <7 percent. Which drug will get you there? 

Which drug would you prefer? Personally, I’d want the cheaper, more effective metformin. However, when doctors get visited by pharm reps, or patients come in singing the jingle and put pressure on the doctors to write for the drug they like, we often see the less effective, more expensive drug written. Some may require prior authorization, which can hold up the process of getting medications to the patient. We can also see higher co-payments and less access to drugs for some patients. Does this mean we can’t add on Jardiance down the line if metformin doesn’t work? Of course, we can, as we can with the GLP drugs. Point being: If doctors are influenced by the pharm reps, the commercials, the patients, we end up costing the medical system much more than we need to when there are other drugs that can treat that disease more efficiently and for far less. 



So, why is this allowed? Well, it’s no shock that Big Pharma has a hand in getting our leaders elected. Looking at this chart…

…they have a hand in who gets elected, and, one would assume, if Big Pharma helps get you elected, you won’t want to regulate the hand that feeds you. As with stock trading in Congress, which I will leave to others to dissect, Big Pharma should not have a hand in who we elect as leaders. This conglomerate should be more regulated and should not have direct-to-consumer marketing ability. My bold prediction is that if we took commercials off the air, I would expect to see healthcare costs significantly lower. 

As of November 30th, HHS Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced he wants to pull the advertising off the air. Welcomed news, to be sure — let’s hope it passes all red tape. 


You May Also Like
Obama makes brutal admission about Michelle marriage as 'divorce' crisis deepens

Obama makes a stark acknowledgment about his marriage with Michelle as troubles in their relationship intensify.

The former President, Barack Obama, acknowledged that he is working hard to…
Top MAGA allies knife Trump on tariffs and warn of 'political bloodbath'

Trump receives criticism from top allies over tariffs, warned of potential political repercussions

The MAGA movement is at a critical juncture as devoted conservatives start…
YouTube daredevil arrested by Indian authorities after visiting remote island where US missionary was killed

Indian authorities apprehend YouTuber for visiting isolated island where American missionary was murdered

According to global reports, a daredevil YouTube influencer has been taken into…
Pro-life activist left bloody after being punched in the face by enraged woman over abortion

“A pro-life activist assaulted during a passionate dispute about abortion”

A Catholic pro-life activist was viciously punched by an angry woman during…
SUV catches fire at Disneyland, black smoke sent drifting over parking structure

Car on fire at Disneyland, dark smoke spreads above parking garage

An SUV caught fire at a Disneyland parking structure on Friday, authorities…
Lindsay Lohan, Glen Powell, Channing Tatum among CinemaCon Awards recipients

Lindsay Lohan, Glen Powell, and Channing Tatum are recognized at CinemaCon Awards

LAS VEGAS — CinemaCon, which is known as the world’s largest theatrical…
Barack Obama Is 'Deeply Concerned' About Trump Admin Targeting Students. So What?

Why is Barack Obama Worried About Students Being Targeted by the Trump Administration?

Barack Obama appears to have had a change of heart. Previously, he…
Texas track meet stabbing suspect’s lawyer plans to ask for $1M bond to be lowered: report

Lawyer of the suspect in Texas track meet stabbing case seeks to reduce $1M bond: report

Karmelo Anthony’s lawyer, representing the Texas high school student charged with the…
Bull rider, 24, trampled to death in 'freak accident' at rodeo event: 'Deeply upsetting to all of us'

Bull rider, 24, fatally injured in ‘unexpected accident’ at rodeo show: ‘A tragic incident for everyone involved’

<!–> Bull riding brings a fresh sport to NYC: Matt West Professional…
Chicago fire that injured 9 on Kenmore Avenue in Edgewater caused by unattended cooking, CFD says

Unsupervised cooking blamed for Chicago fire on Kenmore Avenue in Edgewater that left 9 people injured, according to the Chicago Fire Department

According to Chicago fire officials, a fire broke out in a high-rise…
Iconic 80s A-lister who starred in cult classic movie looks unrecognizable on rare public outing

A-List Star from 80s Cult Classic Movie Appears Unrecognizable in Rare Public Appearance

Don’t you forget about this Hollywood actress… For the Eighties star looked…
When Does ‘Landman’ Return With New Episodes? ‘Landman’ Season 2 Casting Update

When will new episodes of ‘Landman’ be back? A casting update for Season 2 of ‘Landman’.

This week brought exciting news for fans of Taylor Sheridan’s popular Paramount+…