Is Your Doctor Working for a Drug Company?

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In a recent article, we reported on the results of a recent study which indicated that red yeast rice may be an effective alternative to statin drugs — one with fewer side effects than statins. So why is it that many doctors don’t inform their patients of this natural alternative?

One reason could be that many physicians find that it’s easier to write a prescription than to assist patients in creating a healthier lifestyle. Another reason may be that some doctors aren’t too knowledgeable about alternative, more natural remedies, therefore they shy away from recommending them. However, a more disturbing reality is that many doctors accept perks from pharmaceutical companies that want them to prescribe their drugs.

Is it possible that these perks could influence a physician’s decision to, against your best interest, prescribe a more expensive drug, instead of a less expensive but equally effective one? Furthermore, could it deter a doctor from recommending natural treatments that have been clinically proven to be as effective? While some physicians uphold a strong code of ethics and refrain from such practices, many experts believe that perks from drug companies may still have too strong of an influence.

Even worse than that, we’ve learned that the pharmaceutical industry stretches far beyond the scope of the doctor’s office. The trusted doctors of the future are trained early on to push prescription drugs instead of nutritional or natural treatments.

While in med school, some students may be unknowingly influenced by lecturers and professors that are secretly paid consultants for drug companies. This fact was uncovered at Harvard Medical School by Matt Zerden, now a fourth year student. The ambitious student began to question the motives behind a lecture when he noticed that the professor was not open to discussing the painful side effects of statin drugs. Upon further research, Mr. Zerden discovered that the man he trusted to educate him was more than just a member of Harvard Medical faculty, he was a paid consultant to 10 drug companies, 5 of which were manufacturers of statin drugs!

He recalled, “I felt really violated. Here we have 160 open minds trying to learn the basics in a protected space, and the information [the professor] was giving wasn’t as pure as I think it should be.”  In response to this discovery, Harvard Medical School students are fighting back by demanding that their esteemed professors disclose their ties to drug companies.

So what can the unknowing patients of these deal makers do to get the truth from their physician? Unfortunately, not much. Doctors aren’t required to tell you about incentives they may or may not receive from pharmaceutical companies, nor are they required to disclose their personal interest in drug company stocks or friendships. It’s pretty scary to think that the physician you trust may be pushing an agenda instead of the considering what’s in your best interest. The best thing to do is research your physician as thoroughly as possible, and ask that he or she remain open to the therapies you choose. If your doctor isn’t open to having discussions about the alternatives to taking prescription drugs, you may want to seek the advice of another health care provider, perhaps a doctor who practices holistic or integrated medicine. There are many practitioners, such as naturopathic physicians and nutritionists, who can offer guidance and support so that you feel comfortable making the best choices for your health.

Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/001298.html

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/7774/do-drug-company-perks-influence-your-doctor

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/business/03medschool.html?_r=2

Tags: Big Pharma, natural alternatives, pharmaceutical dangers