Pharmaceutical Company kickback? - Pain Management Message Board

09-26-2003, 10:33 AM

Do any of you think that docs prescribe certain meds because they have an "interest" in them? Here's the story:

I take Kadian, Actiq, Gabitril, and Provigil. At my last apptment with my PM doc, after discussing how all the meds were working, he decided to up my Actiq to 800 mcg and my Kadian to 30mg. Off the cuff I complained to him how I didn't like the change in packaging that the manufacturer of Actiq had made. He said to me something like, "well, I'll talk to them because "I'm on the board"... or something like "I do research for them". I really didn't think much about until this week. After investigating, I found out that the manufacturer of Actiq also manufactures Gabitril and Provigil!! Every med I'm on except Kadian, is manufactured by the same pharmaceutical company and also of which, my doc seems to have some "personal" relationship with!

Am I just paranoid, thinking that he prescribed this combination of meds because it best suited me, or because.....whatever????? Incidentially, Actiq costs mucho bucks - $2,400. for a months supply! Luckily, my co-pay is only $30.00 and I should probably be grateful that I'm getting such a great med with so little cost. Should I be worried about this??

turtleeni2 · 09-26-2003, 12:49 PM

No, you are not paranoid. This is the case with most doctors.

I think some of them have deals with certain companies. They get samples, supplies, and possibly other benefits when prescribing certain meds.

I do not have any actual proof of this, but I have read it somewhere in the past. Also, I am a pharmacy technician and deal with drug rep's some of the time and they often refer to certain doctors in the ares that they are "working with". Also, at least 5 out of 10 times I have been to my doctor's office, there has been a drug rep there in waiting room to speak with dr/nurses about the meds and samples and will have lots of forms and records with her.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, in my opinion anyways, unless the prescribing doctor cuts off any or all meds not contracted. That is just wrong. Alot of the meds you take do not have generics available as of now, so they are quite expensive. As far as say the Kadian, I believe there are other comparable drugs like it that may be cheaper.

09-26-2003, 12:56 PM

I guess you're right. It really isn't necessarily a "bad" thing. And I am thankful that I am able to receive these drugs at a very low cost to me. Besides, I really like my PM doc and I trust him. I was just a little curious about this relationship. Thanks for your reply!

turtleeni2 · 09-26-2003, 01:54 PM

I do wonder, however, exactly what and how much "kickbacks" they get though.....

Maybe I will add that to my list of crap I need to research hehe

If you find any info, please let me know as well!

LOVEQ · 09-26-2003, 03:25 PM

No doubt that some doctor do get a big kick back. For what!! I don't know. Maybe there is a nurse on these boards that would be able to tell us.

I know there was a story about this kind of thing with neurotin. Cna't rememver all the things thou.

LOVEQ