Do You Put Your Trust in Medicines, Supplements, or Both?

There is no shortage of asthma management advice; it comes at us from all angles. Between our doctors, friends, family, and the internet, it is challenging to determine what is and is not true, especially since asthma is not a one-size-fits-all condition.

Much of this advice is based on people’s beliefs about taking medications, their trust in medical providers and the healthcare industry in general, as well as their views on homeopathic remedies.

I often hear, "Never trust big pharma"

Sure, there are lots of reasons to be skeptical about the pharmaceutical industry. But I do believe in science, and I know that some people with asthma will need to take medication regardless of how hard they work to reduce their triggers and be healthier. Below are 2 points often made by pharma skeptics (and my thoughts).

There’s no money in the cure

The thought process here is that drug companies make more money by developing medicines that will only manage symptoms. If they find a cure, then they make a one-time sale. If they get you hooked on medicines, then they make a lifetime of sales.

Asthma, like other chronic conditions, is complicated. It takes a significant amount of time and money to discover new treatments and cures. It’s not happening as quickly as we would like, but scientific advancements are being made. Let’s not forget that "cures" have been found for Hepatitis C and HIV.

They don’t want us to know about natural therapies

Natural therapies have been around for centuries. They are well-advertised on the internet and TV. There are countless books in the library and bookstores. You can find supplements not only at health food stores but in grocery stores and pharmacies. Because of their open marketing, promotion, and availability, it seems unlikely that the drug companies are purposely hiding these products from us.

Big pharma vs big supplements

Many people put their trust in supplements instead of medicines. A few things to consider before doing that…

Revenue

According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the global dietary supplements market was valued at $ 61.20 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $128.64 billion by 2028.¹ In comparison, a report by Precedence Research states that the global asthma drugs market size is predicted to surpass $37.3 billion by 2030, up from $20.6 billion in 2020.² Clearly, there is a significant amount of money in both, but the supplement industry generates more revenue than the pharmaceutical industry.

FDA approval

Medications go through several years of research and development, clinical trials, and FDA approval before they come to market. Supplements, on the other hand, are not required to go through any of these steps.

According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA, 1994), “a firm is responsible for determining that the dietary supplements it manufactures or distributes are safe and that any representations or claims made about them are substantiated by adequate evidence to show that they are not false or misleading. This means that dietary supplements do not need approval from the FDA before they are marketed.”³

It’s a little concerning to me that the supplement makers get to determine how “safe and effective” their products are without having to provide any evidence.

Both can have a positive or negative impact on your health

Just because something claims to be organic or natural does not mean it is good for you. Supplements can have side effects, such as allergic reactions or drowsiness. They can also interact with your medications, making them less effective.

Or they may help you. On the other hand, we cannot assume that all asthma medications will cause side effects. The most significant side effects I have experienced from inhalers are getting the shakes or having a hoarse voice. Neither is bad enough to make me stop taking my medicine or look for a different option.

Inconsistency between brands

I take ashwagandha for stress, and it was very hard to find online during the pandemic. (I did, but talked with my doctor first to make sure it would not interact with any of my medications.) Since it was difficult to find, I purchased the first brand I came across. Each brand had convincing packaging that explained why its brand was better than others. I found that my results varied significantly by brand, even though I was taking the exact dosage. To be fair, inhalers are also inconsistent with how the medicine comes out, tastes, etc.

Share your opinion

How about you – are you skeptical of big pharma or big supplement companies? Do you prefer to take medicines, supplements, or a combination of both?