What’s Behind The Over-Prescription Of Certain Drugs?

Antibiotics are a class of drugs that are notoriously over-prescribed. And if you consider the consequences of their over-prescription, like antibiotic resistance, then you’d be forgiven for thinking that doctors often act in the best interests of drug companies, not their patients.

Of course, antibiotics aren’t the only drugs that are over-prescribed… cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, anti-depressants and sleeping aids are also culprits.

Root of the problem?

We all know about the frustrations of seeing a doctor. You only have 15 minutes (if not less) to see your doctor who is already buried under a mountain of paperwork and if you urgently need to see a specialist, there are the long waiting lists you are subjected to.

So, who can blame doctors if they take a few shortcuts here and there… like seeing a pharmaceutical rep, peddling drugs and following the advice of their sales pitch that their drugs offer quick solutions. Who wouldn’t take that shortcut? Especially if prescribing a certain drug in favour of another comes with handsome incentives.

Now, I’m not tarring all doctors with the same brush and plenty of doctors would argue that even though, yes, they do receive incentives, these don’t influence their decision-making process.

But that’s not the case according to a new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which found that when teaching hospitals tightened the reins on drug reps, doctors don’t order as many of the drugs they’re promoting.

In fact, an editorial published with these research findings emphasised exactly what we’ve been saying for many years: drug company promotions should not be the way doctors learn about drugs.

So, the next time your doctor takes out a prescription pad do these two things:

• Ask your doctor if you really need to take the drug. If you are unsure and don’t get a satisfactory answer from your doctor, ask for a second opinion.
• Insist on a generic version of the drug (generic versions usually aren’t tied to incentives).

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Disclaimer: Bear in mind the material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.

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Sources:

https://www.propublica.org/article/with-drug-reps-kept-at-bay-doctors-prescribe-more-judiciously?