Dopesick Season 1 Episode 3 The 5th Vital Sign

Dopesick season 1 episode 3 titled "The 5th Vital Sign" delves more into the origin of how the opioid epidemic began. The episode showcases the story of Purdue Pharma, a pharmaceutical company that developed OxyContin and marketed it aggressively, despite knowing the addictive nature of the drug. Using patient testimonies and expert interviews, the episode reveals how the company's aggressive marketing tactics manipulated the medical community and created a demand for the drug that fueled the opioid epidemic.

The episode begins by showcasing the efforts of a group of journalists and whistle-blowers who sought to expose the dangerous effects of OxyContin. The episode then delves into the rise of Purdue Pharma and its founders, the Sacklers, who sought to develop a drug that could ease the chronic and long-term pain associated with various medical conditions. Purdue Pharma developed OxyContin, a synthetic opioid that was marketed as a breakthrough pain reliever that was non-addictive. The company's efforts to convince doctors and the medical community about the safety of OxyContin proved successful, resulting in a surge of prescriptions being written for the drug.

"The 5th Vital Sign" highlights how Purdue Pharma used marketing tactics to influence the medical community's prescribing patterns, creating demand for its product. Purdue Pharma targeted key opinion leaders to speak on its behalf and used them to convince other doctors to prescribe the drug. Additionally, the company employed sales representatives, who were incentivized to promote the drug and to convince doctors to prescribe it. Their tactics included providing financial incentives, gifts, and other perks.

By the early 2000s, the effects of OxyContin addiction had become apparent. The number of overdose deaths involving the drug started to rise. The episode portrays how the federal government and regulatory bodies such as the FDA became increasingly concerned about the drug's effects and demanded Purdue Pharma to reveal its clinical data. The company refused to do so, leading to increased scrutiny and investigations.

As pressure mounted, Purdue Pharma agreed to pay a settlement of $600 million for its aggressive sales tactics. The company also agreed to undertake corrective measures, including changes to its marketing strategy and a restriction of the dosages provided for the drug. Despite this, the episode reveals how Purdue Pharma continued to evade responsibility for the opioid epidemic, with the Sackler family distancing themselves from the drug, and continued lobbying efforts pushing for the use of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain.

In "The 5th Vital Sign," viewers are provided with a detailed insight into how the opioid epidemic began and how it was fueled by the aggressive marketing tactics employed by Purdue Pharma. The episode also highlights the role played by key opinion leaders in promoting the drug and creating demand for it. It demonstrates how a lack of transparency and corporate accountability can have catastrophic consequences, causing widespread harm and loss of life. Above all, the episode raises questions about whether justice has been served, with Purdue Pharma facing only limited regulatory attention and accountability for their marketing tactics.