Behind the Bastards Part One: The Vioxx Scandal: How Big Pharma Killed More Americans Than Vietnam
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Dec 10, 2024 Dr. Kaveh Hoda, a healthcare expert and medical doctor, delves into the scandal surrounding Vioxx, revealing how Merck knowingly released a drug that led to fatal heart attacks. The discussion uncovers the troubling history of Big Pharma prioritizing profits over patient safety. They explore the rushed development of Vioxx, the marketing tactics that obscured its risks, and the overall shift in societal trust towards pharmaceutical companies. Hoda's insights highlight the ethical dilemmas in drug promotion and the implications for public health.
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Cigarette Immunity Theory
- Robert Evans believes there's a small percentage of people for whom cigarettes don't cause harm.
- He cites encountering elderly smokers who seem unaffected, despite cigarettes' known dangers.
Shifting Perceptions of Pharma
- Robert Evans points out that Vioxx's scandal coincided with growing awareness of the opioid crisis.
- He contrasts the current distrust of Big Pharma with their previously positive image, linked to medical advancements.
Painkiller Market
- The search for non-addictive painkillers is driven by a huge market demand and the negative consequences of opioid addiction.
- Pharmaceutical companies are more interested in patentable drugs, which affects their research priorities.
