How Big Pharma’s Money Is Affecting Our Health And Our Wallets
How often has your doctor’s appointment ended in a prescription? Adults in the U.S. fill 12 prescription drugs every year on average, and that number rises to 27 for seniors.
TheLawFirm.com created the below infographic using data from a recent ProPublica report, which highlighted the power and influence of pharmaceutical companies over doctors and hospitals in the U.S. In just over a year, these companies spent $3.49 billion in disclosed payments.
For many Americans, the impact of these findings will significantly alter their perception of healthcare. Doctors in family medicine, pediatric critical care, orthopaedic surgery, cardiovascular disease and neurological surgery are earning the highest profits from “big pharma.” One of the most significant and discouraging revelations was that 90% of pharmaceutical companies spend more money on marketing than on research and development. Johnson & Johnson, to many a household name, spent $17.5 billion on marketing compared to $8.2 billion on research and development in 2013.
Even more, the infographic states that we spend an average of $1,112 per capita on prescription drugs here in the U.S. – this is a significant jump from the $279 per capita Mexico spends, and even the $772 per capita spent in Canada. As well, spending on prescription drugs has increased 13% since 2013 in the U.S.
[drizzle]TheLawFirm.com also learned that in 2010, the U.S. consumed 99% of the world’s hydrocodone and 88% of oxycodone – two common painkillers.
The infographic suggests a healthcare industry focused on prevention and lifestyle changes, and to only prescribe drugs when absolutely necessary. This conservative approach is going to help improve the health of many Americans who have been led to believe their doctor or hospital has their best interest at heart.
Check out the below infographic to learn more about the influence of big pharma on our doctors, hospitals and, most importantly, our health.
How Big Pharma’s Money Is Affecting Our Health And Our Wallets
