I'm a former drug rep, Schering, Merck, Novartis from years ago. I went back to school and got my doctorate DNP and work as a NP doing family medicine and dermatology. I work in rural Southern California. Today was extremely busy as I had two patients come in with chest pain. When I was walking out of the treatment room I saw a drug rep sporting a pork pie hat. WTF! Has detailing drugs gotten to the point where nobody GAF about what they wear into the office. He looked like he was preparing for a beach party with his Hawiiaan type shirt. I normally talk to all reps who come into visit as I know what a tough job it is but come on buddy, dress for success and not like you are preparing to do a bong hit. Needless to say I just walked on by. Just venting. Found out later he was the Prolia rep. Amgen if this is the best you can offer don't be surprised when I start Rx everything but Prolia for osteoporosis.
Not saying that I think Amgen doesn't have its problems or that you're not right about what the rep wore, but I would hope to god you prescribe what's best for your patients regardless of the rep (for any company). Otherwise, you're just as bad.
I always prescribe what is best for my patients. When given many options with similar efficacy and tolerablity little stuff like this makes a difference in my prescribing behaviors. FYI 95% of my patients with osteoporosis get alendronate simply because of HMO formulary coverage. It's a PITA to get Prolia or Reclast. Its amazing how one representative can give me a bad taste about an entire corporation.
You noted prescribing drugs with "similar efficacy and tolerability." Do you see bisphosphanates and Prolia as having similar efficacy and tolerability? If given equal access to either Prolia or alendronate would you still choose the bisphosphanate? If your honest answer is you'd continue to prescribe alendronate then continue to feel how you feel and do what you're doing. However, if your answer is you believe Prolia to be a better option you're doing your patients a disservice. Are your patients worth the "PITA" or just a means to an end. If your physician had the same belief regarding prescribing meds for you or your family I'm hopeful that wouldn't be alright with you. Before answering, for the record I haven't had one HCP among hundreds I've called on over the years tell me they'd choose alendronate over Prolia all things being equal. Prolia is not that difficult from an access perspective. Alendronate is easier, I'll grant you that one. Do you want your HCP do what's best when prescribing meds for you or what's easiest? Remember, be honest!
Honestly if I had a choice between a Ford Taurus and Bugatti Veyron I' d pick the Bugatti every day. Unfortunately my income doesn't allow me to have that choice. My patients are in the same predicament. 99% of my patients have a HMO managed Medicaid plan or what we call here in California MediCal. The big players are Molina and California Health and Wellness. Prolia isn't an option on these plans. The bisphosphonates are so that is what my patients get. The 1% the can have access to Prolia will get alendronate first as this is the step edit. They have to be on it for a year before the insurance company will consider anything else. Nobody can argue the efficacy of the Fosamax, it works well and prevents fractures. Prolia does too but my patients don't have that option just like I don't have the option to drive a Bugatti. And please, tell your rep to avoid the hats, it just isn't professional.
I will wear whatever the F I want. You gotta problem, say it my face. Next I see your punk ass, I am going to COCK slap you and make you write Prolia with my s3men! You have no access and don't write it so I don't care about you anyways. PORK PIE HATS 4 LIFE MOFO!
maybe your patients should've paid attention in high school, gone to college, and actually get a good job with health benefits
So you're going to withhold a medicine that could benefit a patients life because you didn't like that the rep was wearing a hat? Wow you really got into medicine for the right reasons huh.. Asshole .. The Prolia rep probably makes more than you
If Prolia saves more lives that Actonel, Evista, Fosamax, Reclast, Forteo etc then by all means show me the data. It might change my mind. I just haven't seen it. I'm sure the Prolia rep makes much more than me. Those pork pie hats aren't cheap
If you don't prescribe prolia, I will hunt you down and choke you with my pork pie hat! Amgen reps will stalk your office. Better watch out
I'm still trying to figure out why he called on your ass? , you obviously aren't a target. Must of needed a number. Go ahead 67% of your patients you RX Alendro to, won't stay on it anyway LMAO.
I'm guessing because I have a Dexa machine in my office, do on average 5 scans a day and Rx on average 3 bisphosphonates a day but then again I'm just guessing.
Haha such a busy male nurse you are .. So busy but you have plenty of time to come on to cafepharma and cry about reps..
I am glad territory's are big, so I can single out Douches like you, now get back to giving Granny her Bis. so she can leave them in the cabinet and not take her $4 worth of Wal Mart special.