Political Quotes

“Madam President, most Americans spent more time at home watching television during the pandemic. I know I did. And what was one of the most common commercials we saw? Direct-to-consumer drug ads. You know, those fancy commercials with catchy music, celebrity actors, and swinging golf clubs? Even before COVID, Americans saw an average of nine ads per day. Every year, the pharmaceutical industry spends more than $6 billion on ads--$6 billion. That is the same as the entire budget of the Food and Drug Administration. In fact, we know that most top Pharma companies spend more on their advertising budget than on drug research and development. It turns out, the United States is one of only two countries in the world that even allows these commercials. Can you guess the other? New Zealand. Do you want to know why Pharma spends so much money promoting their drugs? Because it increases their profit margins. Pharma pushes these ads because they steer patients to specific, expensive medications-- whether a patient actually needs the drugs or not. And sometimes it is easier in a 10-minute meeting for the doctor to just write the prescription than to take the time to explain why the drug may not be needed or a less expensive, generic version might be a better choice. Pharma thinks if they pummel you with enough ads that you finally learn how to spell Xarelto, you will insist to your doctor that this is the blood thinner you need though a less expensive option would be just as effective.…”