What can I expect

[anonymous]

You will be lucky if you see any bonus. The target payout is 30K at plan but most reps haven't come anywhere close to making 15K for the 1st 2 quarters. Most are still hoping to get paid for Q2. Mileage reimbursement is way lower than that so you won't be getting rich by just driving all over town.

The best reply was the one that said only come to OPKO if you want to beef up your resume otherwise stay away if you have a good job currently. Most doctors don't care to go thru all the hassle to RX this product as it requires too much paperwork and very time consuming.

The recruiter sucks if they can't answer basic questions. .34 cent a mile via expense report (not taxed) plus $800.00 per month car allowance TAXED on your paycheck. No gas card.

As long as your are prepared to swallow shit and look for another job in two years (when the drug is sold off), welcome aboard.
If you have a decent gig and are not on a PIP, buyer beware.

The Amgen management has champagne taste (expectations) on a tap water budget (in a red PAPER cup). Classy place - not.

 

[anonymous]

You can expect to become pissed off you made the decision to come to Opko like those that are here now within 3 months after you are hired. Expect your wine consumption to triple and find yourself drunk before noon on many occasions as the only way to cope with all of the bullshit we endure daily.

You sound like a person who is always eager to undertake hard or unpleasant tasks, then sit there and complain all day. When no one cares to listen to you any longer, you take it to the Cyber Streets.

Your wine consumption was probably an issue before you signed on, so stop blaming all the addictions on the outside influences. Your weakness and failures fall on you....Maybe it's time for a head check. And to answer your probable reply; A liar gets mad when they don't believe the lies they are telling you.
No go pound some salt and enjoy your breakfast margarita.

 

[anonymous]

You sound like a person who is always eager to undertake hard or unpleasant tasks, then sit there and complain all day. When no one cares to listen to you any longer, you take it to the Cyber Streets.

Your wine consumption was probably an issue before you signed on, so stop blaming all the addictions on the outside influences. Your weakness and failures fall on you....Maybe it's time for a head check. And to answer your probable reply; A liar gets mad when they don't believe the lies they are telling you.
No go pound some salt and enjoy your breakfast margarita.

No amount of positive attitude will overcome the fact that a cost structure that precludes supplemental rebates is ultimately doomed to failure.

 

[anonymous]

You sound like a person who is always eager to undertake hard or unpleasant tasks, then sit there and complain all day. When no one cares to listen to you any longer, you take it to the Cyber Streets.

Your wine consumption was probably an issue before you signed on, so stop blaming all the addictions on the outside influences. Your weakness and failures fall on you....Maybe it's time for a head check. And to answer your probable reply; A liar gets mad when they don't believe the lies they are telling you.
No go pound some salt and enjoy your breakfast margarita.

Agree 100%

 

[anonymous]

do any plans cover this drug or is it a battle for every scrip?

 

[anonymous]

The recruiter sucks if they can't answer basic questions. .34 cent a mile via expense report (not taxed) plus $800.00 per month car allowance TAXED on your paycheck. No gas card.

As long as your are prepared to swallow shit and look for another job in two years (when the drug is sold off), welcome aboard.
If you have a decent gig and are not on a PIP, buyer beware.

The Amgen management has champagne taste (expectations) on a tap water budget (in a red PAPER cup). Classy place - not.

The recruiter is playing games, they know but won't say. If the $800 per month is taxed, then it isn't a good deal even with .34 per mile. However, the OP asked what the base salary is. It is a simple question and I cannot understand why someone just doesn't answer it. Big pharma primary care doesn't answer the question since that could mean anywhere from mid 50s to over $100K. Just answer the question.

 

[anonymous]

The recruiter is playing games, they know but won't say. If the $800 per month is taxed, then it isn't a good deal even with .34 per mile. However, the OP asked what the base salary is. It is a simple question and I cannot understand why someone just doesn't answer it. Big pharma primary care doesn't answer the question since that could mean anywhere from mid 50s to over $100K. Just answer the question.

It is taxed and you are not getting a answer on the salary because OPKO is cheap. They will attempt to lowball everyone.

 

[anonymous]

do any plans cover this drug or is it a battle for every scrip?

Battle is an understatement, Opko would be like the Ethiopian army and the insurance industry would be America, Russia, China, UK, France and all other armies in the world combined against us.
Coverage is terrible, copays are not affordable and market access thinks they are doing a fantastic job, totally delusional.

So yes, every RX is a battle, forget the HUB and go Specialty Pharmacy is your best bet, top reps are doing this, some haven't submitted an SRF into the HUB since Feb and they are in the top 5 but you will be told the HUB is the best and every RX has to go through the HUB, no way! You want to make any money then don't shove the HUB down your customers throat because if you do you will soon realize no one will want to see you any more. Why are you interested in working at Opko anyway when those that are here are trying to get out, you must be stupid or something.

 

[anonymous]

Battle is an understatement, Opko would be like the Ethiopian army and the insurance industry would be America, Russia, China, UK, France and all other armies in the world combined against us.
Coverage is terrible, copays are not affordable and market access thinks they are doing a fantastic job, totally delusional.

So yes, every RX is a battle, forget the HUB and go Specialty Pharmacy is your best bet, top reps are doing this, some haven't submitted an SRF into the HUB since Feb and they are in the top 5 but you will be told the HUB is the best and every RX has to go through the HUB, no way! You want to make any money then don't shove the HUB down your customers throat because if you do you will soon realize no one will want to see you any more. Why are you interested in working at Opko anyway when those that are here are trying to get out, you must be stupid or something.

Why not quit complaining and go straight to top management? Unaffordable copay, shifting compensation plans, the HUB sucks, promises made and not kept to sales staff, town halls that don't do anything with what you tell them? Create an anonymous email account and email Dr. Frost, Steve Rubin, Charles Bishop. Even if you don't get a response you will have let the most important people know exactly what the issues are and ultimately these are the people who can do something about it. And if you don't want to do that or you already have and nothing has changed, well, then it's definitely time to move on...

 

[anonymous]

The recruiter is playing games, they know but won't say. If the $800 per month is taxed, then it isn't a good deal even with .34 per mile. However, the OP asked what the base salary is. It is a simple question and I cannot understand why someone just doesn't answer it. Big pharma primary care doesn't answer the question since that could mean anywhere from mid 50s to over $100K. Just answer the question.

Base range is 90k to 110k (lower than the original hires that were lied to about the "uncapped bonus" so the original hires took a paycut to come here).

 

[anonymous]

Why not quit complaining and go straight to top management? Unaffordable copay, shifting compensation plans, the HUB sucks, promises made and not kept to sales staff, town halls that don't do anything with what you tell them? Create an anonymous email account and email Dr. Frost, Steve Rubin, Charles Bishop. Even if you don't get a response you will have let the most important people know exactly what the issues are and ultimately these are the people who can do something about it. And if you don't want to do that or you already have and nothing has changed, well, then it's definitely time to move on...

Dr. Bishop is a great guy but only a figure head. Dr. Frost only wants to reduce the RSS funds and sell the drug. He terminated the Inside Sales people without notice and is battling with the third-party company to not payout their contract. Frost insisted that RSS be put on PIPS to "send a message". Frost will not allow them to replace the MSLs that have left which includes the Directors that left. Frost is BFFs with Harvey (who pays to pay like device companies - low base pay, high expectations and "eat what you kill" regardless of coverage reimbursement issues). Frost has in hands in everything and KNOWS what is going on. He doesn't care. Mr. Rubin does what Frost says become Frost keeps bringing him online to each company the Frost creates. Read their profiles online at the website.

Frost is aware and does not care. His goal is to sell the drug and spin how great his little ole sales force did with "70% coverage" (which is a lie - look at your MMIT app to verify this info).

 

[anonymous]

Base range is 90k to 110k (lower than the original hires that were lied to about the "uncapped bonus" so the original hires took a paycut to come here).

Thank you. A base of 90-110K is actually pretty good. I could never comprehend pharma reps making $150 base. Those days are long, long gone. If anyone is making that sort of base salary, even if the bonuses are only half of what they promised (say you are making $15K a year rather than $30K), a person is doing well. I have read about how OPKO reps are making $4000K quarterly bonuses but it isn't paying their mortgage. More than a few "pharma couples" were buying $600-$700K homes in a cities where the average mortgage is $270,000-$325K back in the day. Pharma sales reps can't expect to live like top surgeons. People need to live within their means. As for taking a pay cut, some pharma reps have been taking cuts since 2009 and are still trying to get back up to where they were due to downsizings. If you are living in Arizona or Texas, pharmaceutical jobs might still be plentiful. In other states, not so much. I personally would be very happy and grateful for an opportunity like this, but that's just me.

As for formulary and cost issues, that is to be expected with a young drug. People need to do the tough work in the beginning, work their hardest and smartest and stick to it.

Lastly, why would anyone take a pay cut to go to any new employer unless they are unemployed, facing a downsizing, are on a PIP or their boss is unbearable? Hopefully OPKO will look at candidates that consider the pay a step up, or, a step back up to where they were and will appreciate the opportunity. Those are the ones that will work hard.

 

[anonymous]

Thank you. A base of 90-110K is actually pretty good. I could never comprehend pharma reps making $150 base. Those days are long, long gone. If anyone is making that sort of base salary, even if the bonuses are only half of what they promised (say you are making $15K a year rather than $30K), a person is doing well. I have read about how OPKO reps are making $4000K quarterly bonuses but it isn't paying their mortgage. More than a few "pharma couples" were buying $600-$700K homes in a cities where the average mortgage is $270,000-$325K back in the day. Pharma sales reps can't expect to live like top surgeons. People need to live within their means. As for taking a pay cut, some pharma reps have been taking cuts since 2009 and are still trying to get back up to where they were due to downsizings. If you are living in Arizona or Texas, pharmaceutical jobs might still be plentiful. In other states, not so much. I personally would be very happy and grateful for an opportunity like this, but that's just me.

As for formulary and cost issues, that is to be expected with a young drug. People need to do the tough work in the beginning, work their hardest and smartest and stick to it.

Lastly, why would anyone take a pay cut to go to any new employer unless they are unemployed, facing a downsizing, are on a PIP or their boss is unbearable? Hopefully OPKO will look at candidates that consider the pay a step up, or, a step back up to where they were and will appreciate the opportunity. Those are the ones that will work hard.

Respectfully, piss off. Your preaching is laughable at best. You just said a rep making $15k of a $30k target bonus is doing well. This job in particular expects you to pound the pavement for a drug that has zero second tier or preferred formulary cov. Other small org "young drugs" have much better coverage. And Opko benefits are poor. Car allowance is taxed and not half as good as a company car.

If they want to hire the best reps to jump through all these hoops (that other companies don't have) they have to pay the best. It's that simple. Otherwise they will end up with college kids who need babysat and PIP escapees.

 

[anonymous]

People came over with certain expectations and compensation requirements from their interviews last fall. WE WERE LIED TO and misled.
I don't mind working hard and pounding the payment but STOP THE LIES.

 

[anonymous]

Thank you. A base of 90-110K is actually pretty good. I could never comprehend pharma reps making $150 base. Those days are long, long gone. If anyone is making that sort of base salary, even if the bonuses are only half of what they promised (say you are making $15K a year rather than $30K), a person is doing well. I have read about how OPKO reps are making $4000K quarterly bonuses but it isn't paying their mortgage. More than a few "pharma couples" were buying $600-$700K homes in a cities where the average mortgage is $270,000-$325K back in the day. Pharma sales reps can't expect to live like top surgeons. People need to live within their means. As for taking a pay cut, some pharma reps have been taking cuts since 2009 and are still trying to get back up to where they were due to downsizings. If you are living in Arizona or Texas, pharmaceutical jobs might still be plentiful. In other states, not so much. I personally would be very happy and grateful for an opportunity like this, but that's just me.

As for formulary and cost issues, that is to be expected with a young drug. People need to do the tough work in the beginning, work their hardest and smartest and stick to it.

Lastly, why would anyone take a pay cut to go to any new employer unless they are unemployed, facing a downsizing, are on a PIP or their boss is unbearable? Hopefully OPKO will look at candidates that consider the pay a step up, or, a step back up to where they were and will appreciate the opportunity. Those are the ones that will work hard.

You have no idea what you are taking about, this is a start up selling within a specialty category not a big pharma company which is where your getting your going rate from. We just lost 2 of the top 5 reps in the country because of your little mind thinking mentality, golden rule is you will get what you pay for and all of the lies we were told and continue to be told are reason why more top reps will be departing ASAP. Please stop the lies and take your medication as directed by your doctor because you've missed a few days and are relapsing back into big pharma thinking, but wait you don't know any better.

PLEASE if anyone is considering working at Opko, DON'T you will soon be fucked over and realize you were lied to again and again. Worst career decision many within the salesforce have made.

 

[anonymous]

Respectfully, piss off. Your preaching is laughable at best. You just said a rep making $15k of a $30k target bonus is doing well. This job in particular expects you to pound the pavement for a drug that has zero second tier or preferred formulary cov. Other small org "young drugs" have much better coverage. And Opko benefits are poor. Car allowance is taxed and not half as good as a company car.

If they want to hire the best reps to jump through all these hoops (that other companies don't have) they have to pay the best. It's that simple. Otherwise they will end up with college kids who need babysat and PIP escapees.

Why are you telling people to piss off? If you were such a "top rep" why did you accept a pay cut? If you are such a top rep then why didn't you do your research before taking the position? Why not ask your nephrologists their opinion of the therapy? Why didn't you research the CEO - who built many successful start ups? Importantly, why did you believe everything they told you? You're in sales are you not? So you should know that adding fluff to things during the interview process is part of the game. It's why they call it sales. Somebody tells you they would be GRATEFUL to be in your position and you insult them and treat them with disdain? If you are so unhappy, leave. Don't worry, since you are such a rockstar sales talent I'm sure you will land another pharmaceutical job where you can coast, work 20 hours a week, collect $150k base, get a nice company car and rake in 50k a year in bonuses. You needn't worry.

Try working outside pharma and see if you have what it takes to bring in 150k at another sales job. You will get a taste of the real world. There is a reason 100,000 pharma reps nationwide are no longer employed. We were ALL overpaid. All of us. Acting like a spoiled brat is not going to help you. Go find another position elsewhere. There are hundreds of people in any given territory that will gladly take your place.

 

[anonymous]

You have no idea what you are taking about, this is a start up selling within a specialty category not a big pharma company which is where your getting your going rate from. We just lost 2 of the top 5 reps in the country because of your little mind thinking mentality, golden rule is you will get what you pay for and all of the lies we were told and continue to be told are reason why more top reps will be departing ASAP. Please stop the lies and take your medication as directed by your doctor because you've missed a few days and are relapsing back into big pharma thinking, but wait you don't know any better.

PLEASE if anyone is considering working at Opko, DON'T you will soon be fucked over and realize you were lied to again and again. Worst career decision many within the salesforce have made.

Okay....goodbye! Big pharma, tall pharma, fat pharma, small pharma. Blah blah. Not sure why you think people are lying. Lying about what? It is a job and one that pays very well. Feel free to exit the industry if you choose. There are 100,000 reps looking for a job not including young bucks and barbies wanting to get in for the first time. You are in no position to complain. Leave. Opko is hiring a massive number of reps right now. Will it be a walk in the park? Hell no. Is it a great opportunity for some? Absolutely. Let's be real here, there are only a few reasons someone (and I believe it is only one person making a LOT of noise) would be warning people to stay away:
1) you were fired
2) you are on a PIP due to performance, or, attitude.
3) you tried for a position at Opko and weren't chosen.
4) you are the one who needs meds to control your schizoaffective disorder and delusional thinking.

I used to work with a guy like you. He was toxic and crazy. A boss gave him far too much credit for too long. Gave him awards he didn't deserve. Now he is broke and sleeping on his parent's couch. The door finally slammed shut and kicked him in the ass. Good luck at your next big opportunity. I have a feeling, though, you won't find one.

 

[anonymous]

People came over with certain expectations and compensation requirements from their interviews last fall. WE WERE LIED TO and misled.
I don't mind working hard and pounding the payment but STOP THE LIES.

I get it. I was lied to several times during interviews. Welcome to medical sales job interviews. Wise up.

 

[anonymous]

You have no idea what you are taking about, this is a start up selling within a specialty category not a big pharma company which is where your getting your going rate from. We just lost 2 of the top 5 reps in the country because of your little mind thinking mentality, golden rule is you will get what you pay for and all of the lies we were told and continue to be told are reason why more top reps will be departing ASAP. Please stop the lies and take your medication as directed by your doctor because you've missed a few days and are relapsing back into big pharma thinking, but wait you don't know any better.

PLEASE if anyone is considering working at Opko, DON'T you will soon be fucked over and realize you were lied to again and again. Worst career decision many within the salesforce have made.

I don't know what I'm talking about....so your tactic is to be obnoxious and tell someone to take meds?

I think you might suffer from a combination of narcissism and schizoaffective disorder of the depressive type. Thinking you deserve $150k because you're entitled (narcissism). Attacking anyone who doesn't agree with you (narcissism). Believing that there are many companies and jobs in pharma that pay much better and have better coverage (magical thinking). Angry affect, delusional thinking, believing you have a special power to change things by posting on Cafepharma. You DO know that this place, for the most part, is just entertainment right? Seldom is there credible information. Mostly, it's people like you who want to drag others down into the pit because that is where YOU call home.

It's hard. It isn't a walk in the park. We get it. Do you get it? Do you get anything?

 

[anonymous]

Why are you telling people to piss off? If you were such a "top rep" why did you accept a pay cut? If you are such a top rep then why didn't you do your research before taking the position? Why not ask your nephrologists their opinion of the therapy? Why didn't you research the CEO - who built many successful start ups? Importantly, why did you believe everything they told you? You're in sales are you not? So you should know that adding fluff to things during the interview process is part of the game. It's why they call it sales. Somebody tells you they would be GRATEFUL to be in your position and you insult them and treat them with disdain? If you are so unhappy, leave. Don't worry, since you are such a rockstar sales talent I'm sure you will land another pharmaceutical job where you can coast, work 20 hours a week, collect $150k base, get a nice company car and rake in 50k a year in bonuses. You needn't worry.

Try working outside pharma and see if you have what it takes to bring in 150k at another sales job. You will get a taste of the real world. There is a reason 100,000 pharma reps nationwide are no longer employed. We were ALL overpaid. All of us. Acting like a spoiled brat is not going to help you. Go find another position elsewhere. There are hundreds of people in any given territory that will gladly take your place.

Most reps were either promised a promotion, big money, or an opportunity at being developed (to take somewhere else). This NOT normal start-up pharma. Typically, start-ups bury you in money so you put up with the managed care bullshit, limited resources and limited funds.