Every so often a friend will make a post on Facebook about “Big Pharma”. I don’t think it’s as simple as “drug companies are the bad guys”. Modern drugs can improve the quality of life or even save lives. Are some drugs over-prescribed? Sure. But is that the fault of the drug companies or the doctors?
The drug companies spend money to get their products in front of the doctors. This may mean paying $15 for lunch while the sales rep talks to the doctor or it may mean paying several thousand as an “honorarium” (a payment given for professional services that are rendered nominally without charge). Could they be more vague? It could be legit, but it sure sounds sketchy.
How do you know if your doctor is recommending a drug because you genuinely need it and it is the best choice for your condition or if they are recommending it because that drug company has been especially generous to them?