Drug industry

Prescription drugs account for an increasing proportion of Canada’s growing health care system with rising costs that governments in this country are seeking ways to restrain.  The greater use of generic drugs, for which Canadians pay some of the highest prices in the world, accounts for a significant portion of these rising costs.  The Health Council of Canada commissioned this independent discussion paper to provide Canadians with some further insight into the generic drug sector and potential options to reduce generic drug prices.

Argues against pharmaceutical industry funding of continuing medical education (CME).

Presents the proceedings of a symposium that examined women and the pharmaceuticals industry. Includes presentations of the three panellists and a brief summary of each of the workshops.

Provides highlights of a Women and Health Protection report that describes the ways in which drug companies provide funding for health advocacy groups.

Contends that disease mongering exploits the deepest fears of suffering and death. Argues that doctors and biomedical scientists must provide better advice to politicians and to the public in order to combat disease mongering.

Discusses the use of cholinesterase inhibitors in patients with a variety of types of dementia and cognitive impairment, looking critically at the clinical trial evidence on these drugs.

Examines how Pfizer transformed Viagra from an effective product for erectile dysfunction due to medical problems into a drug that "normal" men can use to enhance their ability to achieve an erection and to maintain it for a longer period of time.

Explores the roles of teachers as brokers for ADHD and its treatment, and the strategies used by the pharmaceutical industry to frame educators' responses to ADHD.

Examines sexual attitudes in the 20th century crucial in setting the scene for the creation of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Highlights steps in the history of FSD and of the campaign to challenge its reductionist approach to women's sexual problems.

Examines the growth of awareness of mood stabilization and of bipolar disorders, as well as the sensationalistic attitudes towards both.