The Unprofessional Relationship between Medical Doctors and Pharmaceutical Companies

The twenty-first century has seen pharmaceutical companies grow in unprecedented size and strength. Due to the unprecedented growth the larger pharmaceutical companies have gained leverage and power in the prescription drug industry, but they lack innovation to market and they seek ways to help the business continue to increase its profits. The pharmaceutical industry was once ethically sound and was a valuable player in the development of human health. However, overtime with the lack of innovation pharmaceutical companies are becoming an unethical market that exploits patients, doctors and anyone else it can to increase its profitability. With eyes only on profitability this can create a hazard for patients because there

The pharmaceutical industry along with the manufacturers of healthcare products and technologies often encourage the misappropriation and distribution of marginally beneficial products and technologies in the healthcare industry. These companies often use various advertising methods to influence members of the public to request their products and services without adequate knowledge of their effectiveness and implications to their medical condition.

Anyone who has purchased prescription medications has probably wondered why they cost so much, and rightfully so. Medication prices in the United States have been on a steady increase for decades, however, prices have been drastically increasing as of recent. Pharmaceutical companies have tried to justify these price increases due to the demand, the high cost of research, and the high costs of development and approval. Notwithstanding, the extent to which the prices have increased is not justifiable. Americans should be against these high medication prices and take action because pharmaceutical companies are taking advantage of our healthcare system in order to capitalize from the sick. In order shed some light on this issue, the magnitude, scope, and consequences of these prices must be examined.

Anyone who has purchased prescription medications has probably wondered why they cost so much, and rightfully so. Medication prices in the United States have been on a steady increase for decades, however, prices have been drastically increasing as of recent. Pharmaceutical companies have tried to justify these price increases due to the demand, the high cost of research, and the high costs of development and approval. Notwithstanding, the extent to which the prices have increased is not justifiable. Americans should be against these high medication prices and take action because pharmaceutical companies are taking advantage of our health care system in order to capitalize from the sick. In order shed some light on this issue, we must examine the magnitude, scope, and consequences of these rises in price.

The disclosure of these payments will increase transparency of physicians’ relationship with the manufacturers. Although the Sunshine Act does not prohibit mutually beneficial exchange between health providers and the industry, the amount of money spent by the industry has been gradually declining. “When shared within the appropriate context, the data collected by the Open Payment program helps patients to learn more about industry-physician collaborations and understand how these interactions benefit their health.” Open Payment Act works to ensure that the collaborative interactions between manufacturers and physicians meet high ethical standards; they must be compliance with laws, regulations, and government guidance. With the help of

companies and doctors to make a lot of money.” (Tab 5). Although pharmaceutical companies do

This paper will tempt to tell the ethical issues of the relationship that the pharmaceutical

Overall, the analysis found that 37% of physicians said they sometimes or often agreed to prescribe a brand-name drug at their patients’ request.” Consumers rarely think to give their doctor permission not to prescribe them a drug. The emotional connection and sense of urgency created by advertisements can make patients develop a sense of dependency on the product before even trying it.

After reviewing this case, I would not immediately carry out the director’s request. There are a lot of unknowns yet to be discovered and further investigation is warranted. According to the Code of Ethics, pharmacists must respect their covenantal relationship with the patient. By removing the product from the hospital’s formulary, patients won’t receive treatments that may improve their health.

The Pharmaceutical industry has been in the spotlight for decades due to the fact that they have a reputation for being unethical in its marketing strategies. In The Washington Post Shannon Brownlee (2008) states, “We try never to forget that medicine is for the people. It is not for the profits. The profits follow.” This honorable statement is completely lost in today’s world of pharmaceutical marketing tactics. These tactics are often deceptive and biased. Big Pharma consistently forgets their moral purpose and focuses primarily on the almighty dollar. Big Pharma is working on restoring their reputation by reforming their ethical code of conduct.

Suppliers play an important part in Genentech’s success. As such, Genentech requests that, in the course of conducting business, suppliers refrain from conduct that is outside Genentech’s ethical boundaries. Genentech strives to achieve their corporate goals by employing best-of-class practices in the acquisition of goods and services and by seeking optimal value and quality at the best price with qualified suppliers. As a supplier, business supports Genentech's mission and values. At Genentech, medical professionals commit themselves to high standards of integrity in contributing to the best interests of patients, the medical profession, their employees and communities. Suppliers are always expected to understand and embrace these ideas when

Society expects drug companies to improve people’s well-being and to behave like a nonprofit company not overly concerned with making large profits. However, investors

The pharmaceutical industry confronts several dilemmas every year. Most of these dilemmas revolve around money or whether or not to sacrifice now for a bigger payoff in the end concerning money and/or lives. Pharmaceutical companies tend to use shortcuts that create ethical problems. Drug companies have spent millions/billions of dollars in research, and they obviously want to see

Pharmaceutical companies should attempt to be as transparent as possible when marketing prescription drugs to the public. Their marketing efforts should not only convey the benefits of the prescription drug, but also easily convey the possible risks associated with the prescription drugs. Many patients may tend to think the benefits outweigh the potential risks of prescription drugs and may pressure their physician to prescribe it. Due to the way the prescription drug is marketed, the consumer may believe the

Consumers all over the world are pressuring companies to become more socially responsible. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a measurement of a business’ impacts on society, both positive and negative. Pharmaceutical companies in particular are held to a high ethical standard by the public due to the nature of their product. Novartis, one of the largest healthcare and pharmaceutical companies in the world, aspires to be a model of ethics and philanthropy in the industry and sets a global standard of CSR for all businesses. This paper examines some of Novartis’ most recent CSR actions that contribute to the company’s sublime reputation, but also investigates lawsuits against Novartis and shortcomings with its transparency which the administration continually fails to address.