prescription pricing

Americans spend more than 460 billion dollars on prescription drugs annually, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Not all of this medication is helping us. Unnecessary and improper use of medication is responsible for an extremely high number of hospital visits and deaths each year. In addition, the cost of many medications can be prohibitive. Are we taking too many drugs? Why are prescription drugs in the United States so expensive? Does the pharmaceutical industry work for our best interest? The perspectives in this volume delve into the many facets of the controversies pertaining to prescription drugs.

"... introduces ... scientists, in-corruptible regulators,and ... whistle-blowers facing off against [the pharmaceutical industry] company executives often blinded by greed. A business that profits from treating ills can create far deadlier problems than it cures. Addictive products are partof the industry's DNA, from the days when corner drugstores sold morphine, heroin, and cocaine, to the past two decades of dangerously overprescribed opioids. ... also uncovers thereal story of the Sacklers, the family that became one of America's wealthiest from the success of OxyContin, their blockbuster narcotic painkiller at the center of the opioid crisis"--Jacket flap.

Explores the issues surrounding big pharma and drug pricing by placing opinions from a wide range of sources in a pro/con format. Features articles that express various perspectives on this topic.

A collection of essays presenting varying perspectives on the issue of pharmaceutical companies and drug pricing.

Argues that the American pharmaceutical industry is corrupt, with the bulk of funds from high drug prices spent on marketing rather than research and development, and suggests several reforms.