Big Pharma -> Autoimmune Profits
Disclaimer:
This is a hypothetical scenario simulates realistic medical events for entertainment purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice.
Asthma/Diabetes Chain Reactions - Hypothetical Overview
Hypothetical drug chains, demonstrating how a childhood vaccine could trigger autoimmune diseases (Asthma, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes), leading to a sequence of medications, side effects, and escalating health complications.
1. Asthma Chain of Events
Trigger: Childhood Vaccine → Asthma
Medication: Inhaled Corticosteroids (Fluticasone)
Side Effects: Oral Thrush → Antifungal (Nystatin) → GI Issues → Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole) → Bone Fractures → Bisphosphonates → Kidney Issues → Diuretics → Electrolyte Imbalance → Potassium Supplements → Laxatives → Dehydration → Intravenous Fluids → Infections → Antibiotics → Liver Damage → Liver Transplant → Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD)
Total Estimated Lifetime Cost: $825,500
2. Type 1 Diabetes Chain of Events
Trigger: Childhood Vaccine → Type 1 Diabetes
Medication: Insulin
Side Effects: Hypoglycemia → Glucagon → Nausea → Anti-Nausea Drugs (Ondansetron) → Constipation → Laxatives → Electrolyte Imbalance → Oral Rehydration Solutions → Kidney Strain → ACE Inhibitors (Lisinopril) → Persistent Cough → Cough Suppressants → Drowsiness → Modafinil → High Blood Pressure → Beta-Blockers (Metoprolol) → Fatigue → Stimulants (Amphetamines) → Cardiac Issues → Antiarrhythmics (Amiodarone) → Lung Toxicity → Corticosteroids → Cancer → Lung Cancer
Total Estimated Lifetime Cost: $1,223,000
3. Type 2 Diabetes Chain of Events
Trigger: Childhood Vaccine → Type 2 Diabetes
Medication: Metformin
Side Effects: GI Issues → Loperamide → Constipation → Polyethylene Glycol → Abdominal Pain → Antispasmodics → Dry Mouth → Antihistamines → Drowsiness → Stimulants → Increased Blood Pressure → Beta-Blockers → Fatigue → Stimulants → Cardiac Issues → Antiarrhythmics → Pulmonary Toxicity → Corticosteroids → Cancer → Lung Cancer
Total Estimated Lifetime Cost: $1,184,000
Lifetime Cost of Treating Autoimmune Diseases
Snapshot of estimated lifetime costs for managing the top 10 autoimmune diseases:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: $1.2M
Type 1 Diabetes: $1.223M
Multiple Sclerosis: $1M
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: $900K
Psoriasis: $700K
Crohn’s Disease: $800K
Ulcerative Colitis: $700K
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: $300K
Graves’ Disease: $400K
Sjögren’s Syndrome: $500K
Average Person’s Lifetime Pharmaceutical Costs
Prescription Medications: $72K - $90K
Over-the-Counter Medications: $12K - $30K
Healthcare Costs Involving Pharmaceuticals: $60K - $180K
Total Lifetime Costs: $144K - $300K
This overview emphasizes how autoimmune diseases and their treatments can accumulate significant healthcare costs over a lifetime.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice.
