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Writer's pictureAmanda Olejarz

Big Pharma: Daily Drugs

As much as we rely on pharmaceuticals to manage our health conditions and illnesses, there is a disturbing truth about how big pharma operates: they make money off of us staying sick.


Big Pharma, a term used to describe the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, generates significant revenue by selling drugs and medications to consumers. These companies invest billions of dollars each year in research and development to discover new drugs that can treat various illnesses and diseases.


A drug is any substance that alters the normal functioning of the body when it is introduced into the system. While some drugs can be beneficial and are used for medicinal purposes, others can be harmful and can lead to addiction, health problems, and even death.


When drugs are consumed, they can interfere with the natural chemical processes in the brain and body. Some drugs can cause the brain to release excessive amounts of neurotransmitters, which can lead to an artificial feeling of pleasure or euphoria. Over time, the brain can become dependent on these substances to feel normal, leading to addiction.


Drug use can also have a number of negative health effects, including damage to organs, impaired cognitive function, and increased risk of infection and disease. Additionally, drug use can lead to social and economic problems, such as job loss, financial strain, and strained relationships with family and friends.


Once a new drug is discovered, the pharmaceutical company must go through a rigorous process of testing and obtaining regulatory approval before they can bring the drug to market. This process can take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.


Once the drug is approved, the pharmaceutical company can begin selling it to consumers. These companies often charge high prices for their drugs to recoup their research and development costs and generate a profit. In the United States, pharmaceutical companies are allowed to set their own prices for drugs, leading to some of the highest drug prices in the world.



The business model of big pharma is built on making profits, and this means keeping customers dependent on their products. Rather than investing in long-term solutions or cures, they focus on developing medications that can be used to manage symptoms or chronic conditions, which often require lifelong treatment.


One of the key ways that big pharma makes money off us staying sick is through their pricing strategies. Pharmaceutical companies often charge exorbitant prices for medications, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of times more than the actual cost of production. They do this because they know that people who are sick and in need of treatment will pay whatever it takes to get better.


Another way that big pharma profits off our sickness is by creating a dependency on their products. Instead of focusing on preventative measures or natural healing, they promote the idea that the only way to manage an illness or condition is through medication. This creates a cycle of dependence, where people continue to take medication even when they may no longer need it or when it may not be the best option for their health.


In addition, big pharma companies often engage in unethical marketing practices, such as pushing medications for off-label uses or exaggerating the benefits of a drug while downplaying the potential risks. This creates a false sense of need and urgency, leading people to seek out medication even when it may not be necessary.


Why?


Money!

Who Profits?

Reduce the Need for Drugs


 

Money!


Pharmaceutical companies spend significant amounts of money on marketing and advertising their drugs to both healthcare professionals and consumers. This includes advertising on television, in magazines and newspapers, and through online channels.


In addition to selling drugs, pharmaceutical companies also generate revenue by licensing their drugs to other companies or through partnerships with other companies. They also generate revenue by investing in other companies and through mergers and acquisitions.


Overall, the profits generated by the pharmaceutical industry are significant. In 2020, the global pharmaceutical market was estimated to be worth over $1.2 trillion. However, there is ongoing debate about the high cost of drugs and whether it is fair to charge such high prices for life-saving medications..


Who Profits?


The ownership structure of big pharma companies can vary, as they are often publicly traded and have many shareholders. None of these entities ought to care more than you do about your health and well-being. They care about their companies profits and how to continue to grow and expand their profit margins. Some of the largest pharmaceutical companies and their major shareholders include:


Pfizer: One of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Pfizer has a diverse group of shareholders, including institutional investors like BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street Corporation, as well as individual investors.


Johnson & Johnson: Johnson & Johnson is also publicly traded and has a diverse group of shareholders, including institutional investors like BlackRock and Vanguard, as well as individual investors.


Roche: Roche is a Swiss pharmaceutical company that is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Its major shareholders include the Roche family and institutional investors like BlackRock and The Vanguard Group.


Merck & Co.: Merck & Co. is a publicly traded pharmaceutical company with a diverse group of shareholders, including institutional investors like BlackRock and The Vanguard Group, as well as individual investors.


Novartis: Novartis is a Swiss pharmaceutical company that is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Its major shareholders include institutional investors like BlackRock and The Vanguard Group.


It is important to note that the ownership structure of these companies can change over time as shareholders buy and sell their shares.



Reduce the Need for Drugs


It's important to note that any changes to medication should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. That being said, here are some holistic lifestyle changes that may help reduce the need for prescription drugs and save you money:


Eat a healthy diet: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine.


Exercise regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce stress.


Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help your body heal and reduce stress.


Manage stress: Incorporate stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine.


Explore alternative therapies: Consider trying alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic care to address health concerns and reduce reliance on medication.


It's important to note that making significant lifestyle changes can be challenging, and it's important to seek guidance and support from qualified healthcare professionals and holistic health practitioners. Additionally, it's important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any changes you are making to your health regimen.


Overall, it's clear that big pharma profits off our sickness, which is why it's important to take control of our health and seek out alternative approaches to healing. By focusing on preventative measures, natural healing methods, and lifestyle changes, we can reduce our dependence on medication and take back control of our health.


Amandala.Coach offers holistic health coaching services to help individuals live a more healthy and happy life. Our approach considers all aspects of a person's well-being, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. If you are looking to improve your overall health and well-being, consider working with Amandala.Coach to develop a personalized plan for optimal health.

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