Corrupt Drug Deal Puts Seniors at Risk
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 19, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
I’ve been around long enough to see drug companies do some of the most corrupt… and unethical… things you can imagine.
They’ve falsified studies… paid off doctors… and even promoted their meds for unapproved and risky uses.
But this latest story might just take the cake.
Because a major drug supplier has been accused of fraud and racketeering to force a dangerous pain medication on countless Americans – including seniors.
It’s a scheme that even turned deadly – and you need to act fast to keep yourself and the people you love safe.
The scheme all started in 2012 when INSYS Therapeutics got approval from the FDA for an ultra-powerful opioid (called Subsys – a type of fentanyl) for use in cancer patients with pain.
Fentanyl, by the way, is a powerful drug that kills people all the time. It is 100 times stronger than morphine and more addictive than heroin.
But there was a problem with INSYS Therapeutics’ new drug – it came with a big price tag and insurance companies wouldn’t pay for treatment unless is was approved in advance.
Insurance companies demanded pre-authorization from the doctors’ office for expensive drugs and procedures.
So INSYS Therapeutics decided to make pre-authorization happen.
They allegedly set up a team of employees that pretended to be doctors’ offices to fool insurance companies into approving the drug.
They even reportedly crafted a script and blocked caller ID so the insurers wouldn’t know that they were calling from the drug company (and not the doctor’s office).
INSYS Therapeutics allegedly used old-fashioned techniques as well: they provided doctors with money and gifts for prescribing Subsys.
This ploy worked (and would have continued to work) until a woman named Sarah Fuller died from an overdose of Subsys.
What brought this to the attention of authorities was that Sarah Fuller did not have cancer – and Subsys was only approved for cancer patients.
Federal prosecutors in Boston have criminally charged six former INSYS executives, including its former CEO, with fraud and racketeering charges related to Subsys.
The lesson here is simple: if drug companies are comfortable falsifying medical records, misleading insurance companies, and providing kickbacks to doctors – then there is almost nothing that they won’t do to sell their drugs.
The reason is clear: there is a mountain of money to be made in health care.
Some drugs make more money than entire countries.
So be cautious when you hear any claim coming from a drug company.
And in the meantime, if you’re taking Subsys or any type of fentanyl, talk to your doctor right away about finding a replacement.
That one conversation may end up saving your life.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Is Your Bathroom Hiding a Dirty Secret?
Let’s talk about your bathroom. You probably spend a good chunk of your day there, from your morning routine to your evening wind-down. But how clean do you really keep it? Maybe you’re a neat freak, scrubbing every surface until it sparkles. Or perhaps you’re more of a “clean enough” type, giving things a quick...
Key Facts to Consider BEFORE Trying Marijuana
Lately, I’ve had a lot of people ask me if marijuana is safe, and my answer always is, “It depends…” You may have lived through the wild days of the 60s and 70s and even experimented with a little weed back then. But the marijuana of today is NOT the same mellow grass you remember....
MAILBAG: Decoding Chest Pain and Breathlessness During Activity
“I’ve been having chest pain and shortness of breath when I’m active. Could this be a sign of a heart problem? What tests should I undergo to determine if there’s an issue?” -Paul Hi Paul, Regardless of past heart history, I always advise folks to seek medical help immediately if they experience concerning symptoms, including...
The Surprising Key to SURVIVING a Stroke
Imagine you’re going about your day when, suddenly, your world turns upside down. Your vision blurs, your speech slurs, and you feel a weakness in your arm. You’re having a stroke. It’s a terrifying experience that far too many of us have faced. And if you’re lucky enough to survive, the fear of another stroke...
The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED
Where do you put sleep on your priorities list? It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities. After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of...
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...