You may think that doctors are always making objective decisions when prescribing medications for their patients. However, a study conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine revealed that physicians, specifically dermatologists, can be unknowingly influenced by pharmaceutical companies through the simple act of providing free drug samples. This revelation leads to a crucial question – are doctors inadvertently making patients pay more for their medications?
The Effect of Free Drug Samples
The study by Stanford researchers was quite enlightening. When dermatologists received free drug samples, they were more likely to prescribe expensive brand-name drugs rather than opting for cheaper generic alternatives. Unfortunately, patients and insurance companies must carry the financial burden of these more expensive medications.
One of the researchers, Alfred Lane, pointed out that doctors may not be aware of the cost differences between brand-names and generics and that patients may not realize that by accepting samples, they could be pushed into receiving a prescription for a more expensive medication.
While some physicians, like their counterparts at Stanford, may believe that free samples can be beneficial to patients in need – particularly those who can’t afford to pay for medications out-of-pocket, the practice of offering free samples can negatively impact both doctors’ judgment and the patient’s wallet.
The Power of Influence
Pharmaceutical companies have been known to spend vast amounts of money to influence doctors, whether it’s through advertisements, continuing education courses, or other marketing tactics. In fact, it’s estimated that pharmaceutical marketing to doctors totaled around $20 billion in 2012, while direct-to-consumer advertising amounted to roughly $3 billion.
So, why do pharmaceutical companies spend so much money on doctors? The answer is simple – they want doctors to be aware of their products and prescribe them to their patients. This strategy seems to work, as the doctors who are more exposed to pharmaceutical reps and free samples are more likely to prescribe the more expensive brand-name medications.
Are Generics Really That Different?
Some might wonder if there are any significant differences between the brand-name and generic alternatives. The answer might surprise you.
Generics can be considerably less expensive than their brand-name counterparts, sometimes as much as 85% cheaper. Additionally, the FDA requires that generic drugs have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as their brand-name equivalents, and they must prove their bioequivalence. In other words, generic drugs work just as well as their brand-name alternatives and provide the same medical benefits. With this information, it can be challenging to understand the reason for doctors to prescribe more expensive, brand-name medications.
Patients’ Role in This Process
As a patient, it’s essential to be aware of the influence pharmaceutical companies can have on your doctor. When discussing medications with your doctor, it’s important to ask questions and make sure that you’re getting the best treatment at the most affordable price.
In case your doctor prescribes a brand-name drug, consider asking if there’s a less expensive generic alternative available. Doing a little research on your own can also be helpful, as it will allow you to have a well-informed conversation with your doctor about your options.
Moreover, discuss the medications you’re currently taking with your doctor and ascertain if there are more cost-effective alternatives available. It’s always best to keep track of any changes in your medications’ pricing, as it could indicate that a cheaper alternative has come to the market.
Final Thoughts
The influence that pharmaceutical companies have on doctors can, in some cases, lead to patients receiving more expensive medications than they need. It’s essential for patients to be aware of this influence and to have open discussions with their doctors about their prescriptions to ensure they’re getting the best possible treatment at the most affordable price. It’s also crucial for doctors to examine their prescribing practices and carefully consider whether they’re genuinely acting in their patients’ best interest or inadvertently falling for big pharma’s marketing tactics.
