It's a business, PERIOD.

   I think most people have a general misconception on how the business of medicine works. I think the first and biggest misconception is that it is a business to begin with. I think most people have this idea that pharmaceutical companies or industry are some how teamed up with the government (which they actually are just not to the point I'm making) and they have all our best interests in mind. Like there is some kind of treaty or agreement that because they deal in medicine that they would never do any harm. Or that they would never lie or try to deceive us. Or maybe people visualize that there are just doctors and scientists in labs making drugs and trying to save the world. How can I put it simple, medicine is a business PERIOD. 
   Pharmaceutical companies are for profit corporations that make a killing if you haven't noticed. I think we some how give them a pass to do whatever they want because occasionally they turn out some drugs that save lives. But these companies are there to make money, now I'm not against making money, but I am against manipulating and falsifying studies, buying off politicians, and lying about potential side effects to do so.
   I think decisions can be made easier if you look at drug companies like any other business. Meaning they produce and sell a product for profit. Just like with any other product on the market it is your job as the consumer to decide if you want or need the product. You wouldn't let someone else decide for you if you should buy a new car would you? And when you are car shopping you probably do some research, visit dealerships, read reviews, read third party test comparisons in order to make that decision. Am I correct? So why do we make decisions to take drugs or which drugs to take so blindly? We go in to the process so ignorant, without educating ourselves before. Your health is much more important than a new car purchase, so it would probably be a good idea to know a little bit about drugs you are prescribed. You wouldn't believe the amount of patients I meet that don't know the name of a drug they're on or what it's for. Scary right? 

---