Big Pharma

Episode description

The US pharmaceutical industry is unique in that it markets directly to consumers (hey there, Zoloft commercial!). Through such direct-to-consumer marketing we have been spoon-fed the notion that every hint of a symptom requires a drug.

The result? Americans take more prescription medications today than at any other time in recent history. 

On today's show we uncover the pharmaceutical industry's influence over the FDA and over consumers.

Here's a preview:

[2:30] Do Americans take more prescription drugs than citizens in other countries?

[5:00] Prescription medication and the implications of its direct-to-consumer marketing

[9:30] Big pharma, the FDA, and a great big conflict of interest

[12:00] The connection between a patient's desire for a quick fix and a physician's prescribing habits

[19:00] 3 action steps re: conscious consumerism and prescription drugs

Resources mentioned:

• Carbon Footprint Of The Global Pharmaceutical Industry And Relative Impact Of Its Major Players (via Journal Of Cleaner Production)
• Too Many Meds? America's Love Affair With Prescription Medication (via Consumer Reports)

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