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While that does happen, I don't think that it's as much of a conspiracy as you claim. But I do agree that it's "broken", in that it's more about economics than
by mirimir 7y ago
While that does happen, I don't think that it's as much of a conspiracy as you claim. But I do agree that it's "broken", in that it's more about economics than healthcare.
One issue is that new drugs aren't approved based on testing against old drugs, or other treatments. They're just tested against no treatment. It's generally not until much later that comparison studies get done.
The other issue, as you say, is patent protection. Patent protected drugs are heavily promoted. And a huge chunk of that is detailing to physicians.
Generic drugs generally aren't promoted. That's because physicians aren't actually prescribing them. They're prescribing the brand, which pharmacies fill as generic equivalents, unless the prescription says "fill as directed".
So when some new patent protected drug comes out, it tends to displace older drugs. Because the older brand drugs are no longer being promoted.
- munk-a 7y agoI really think you and the poster above are disagreeing a lot less than you think. The older post is being vague on the conspiracy and using an unnecessary amount of hyperbole - but what you've stated is the actual source of the conflict of interest... Drugs aren't being sunsetted because they're ineffective but because they're unprofitable. There are some pretty crazy effects from all the ridiculous players involved in this market with manufacturers plying clients with financial assistance, PBMs extorting manufacturers for rebates and providers over-billing everyone... the beautiful thing is this sunset effect is clear to see even through all that haze.
- mirimir 7y agoI guess. But my point is that it's all about money.
- mirimir 7y agoBelated edit. Medical care being about money is one issue, given the Hippocratic Oath. But it's possible to have medical care systems where economics drives good care. The US doesn't have that. As I said, there's a very similar situation in the US about child care and education. And really, it's about everyone who isn't effectively competing for resources.