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
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...