Question

Physicians should make prescription decisions based on the best available clinical evidence. Drug marketing uses inducements such as gifts, puffery, and misinformation to sell more drugs. Studies show that the more gifts a doctor receives, the more likely she is to prescribe a pharmaceutical company's drugs.

a. Drug salespeople track physician exact prescriptions and influence them to prescribe more of their company's drugs.
b. Neither drug reps nor doctors are likely to be made aware of a product's potentially harmful effects, if they are known by the drug company.
c. All of the above.
d. None of the above.

Answer 1

The 'losers' in the system of FDA regulation are those who face delayed access to new drugs due to the lengthy approval process, smaller companies deterred by the high costs of drug development, and the stifling of competition that can limit drug availability.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Impact of FDA Regulation on Drug Availability

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in regulating the medicines that pharmacies can sell, ensuring safety and efficacy. A rigorous testing process often requires years of evaluation before a drug can enter the market. This protects the public from unsafe drugs. However, this lengthy process can have less visible drawbacks.

The 'losers' in such a stringent regulatory environment are those who suffer delays in accessing potentially life-saving drugs due to the extended period required for FDA approval. Additionally, the high cost of the approval process can deter smaller companies from innovating or bringing new drugs to market, which can stifle competition and limit the availability of drugs.

Furthermore, strict advertising regulations by the FDA, such as ensuring pharmaceutical companies only promote a drug for approved indications and maintain a fair balance in discussing benefits and risks, prevent the dissemination of misinformation. The pharmacists' knowledge of chemistry and biology is essential as they guide both physicians and patients through the complexities of drug usage, preventing harmful interactions and side effects. The pharmacists' roles become even more critical in monitoring long-term drug safety and efficacy in the postmarket phase.