News, Many cholesterol patients don't take drugs.

[stepka]

Here 'tis:

The allegations surround the marketing of 13 different drugs, including big sellers such as Viagra, Zoloft and Lipitor.

As part of its illegal marketing, Pfizer invited doctors to consultant meetings at resort locations, paying their expenses and providing perks, prosecutors said.

“They were entertained with golf, massages, and other activities,” said Mike Loucks, the U.S. attorney in Massachusetts.

Read more: Pfizer fined $2.3 billion for its gifts to doctors - Norwich, CT - The Bulletin Pfizer fined $2.3 billion for its gifts to doctors - Norwich, CT - The Bulletin

[tarragon]

Originally Posted by stepka

Yes, and if you watch the statin commercials carefully, they will even tell you that themselves. Watch close or you'll miss it.

I'm pretty sure the docs do get a kickback from it and if I can locate the article I'll get a link up here.

I don't think Doctors get kickbacks. I worked for a family practice Dr, he saw Reps & got samples to give to patients to "try" before buying a prescription. The other scenario was he would give them to folks that didn't have health insurance. To my knowledge, samples are no longer allowed.

[tarragon]

Originally Posted by stepka

Here 'tis:

s

That may have happened with some doctors, but not all doctors. Most doctors that I know, are too wrapped up in their own personal lives and do not have time to attend all of these outings. I remember Reps inviting my Doc to conferences that included golfing, skiing etc., my Doc would always decline because he didn't want to be bothered with the mingling etc., plus he was always so busy.

[stepka]

Originally Posted by tarragon

s

That may have happened with some doctors, but not all doctors. Most doctors that I know, are too wrapped up in their own personal lives and do not have time to attend all of these outings. I remember Reps inviting my Doc to conferences that included golfing, skiing etc., my Doc would always decline because he didn't want to be bothered with the mingling etc., plus he was always so busy.

I'm sorry--I didn't mean to give the impression that I think all docs get kickbacks, but many do. If you're fortunate enough to have a doc like yours, you're fortunate indeed and should nurture that relationship by taking him a nice coffeecake at Christmas, lol.

Also, according to the article, they're keeping an eye on the pharma companies to make sure they don't pull any more shenanigans so we'll see. But what all this tells me is that if the pharmas have to go to these great of lengths to sell the stuff, they must realize that docs weren't convinced in the first place of the need for it.