Drug distributors are forecasting industry growth in this recessionary climate, the IndyStar reports today. Indiana, take note: here’s a market with good economic predictions. Something our part of the country could really use right now, right?
Read the story, and you’ll find the drug marketing gurus are almost gleeful in their descriptions of rising “prescription volume” and the dependable strength of both “ generic dispensing” and “mail-order volume.” 2011 is going to be a good year for these guys.
Which makes this week’s news release by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention even more important – and disturbing. According to the CDC (read the report here), drugs are the cause of more deaths in the United States today than guns or alcohol. And by drugs, the CDC isn’t referencing solely illegal drugs like cocaine or crystal meth. No. Drugs like prescription drugs and over the counter medicines are responsible for a shocking number of human fatalities in this country.
The danger of drug induced deaths aren’t new to Indiana’s state government. In March 2008, the Indiana Center for Policy released its own report on the dangers of drug-related deaths (read the report here). This hits home, folks.
People in our community are at risk for serious injury or death from drugs that are purchased over the counter at WalMart or CVS or any other store as well as those that are prescription drugs given by a trusted health care professional. Of particular concern: pain medications like Oxycodone.
Meanwhile, the drug companies are looking to make bigger and bigger profits now and in the future. Remember, Big Pharma is a for-profit industry: its goal is monetary growth. These are not entities built to serve charitable purposes and many of us tend to forget this – to our detriment.
Remember: drugs aren’t safe. Drugs can kill you or a loved one. Be careful and be sure to get help if you believe that you or a loved one may be having a detrimental reaction to any drug or medication. Get medical care. And if a tragedy happens, consider the laws on the books of Indiana and the federal government that exist to protect against defective products and wrongful death.
