04/17/2025 / By Arsenio Toledo
In a damning exposé that reads like a thriller, former pharmaceutical executive John Virapen pulls back the curtain on an industry he claims prioritizes profit over patient safety.
His book, “Medicine Cult: A Prescription for Side Effects and Death,” published back in 2011, reveals shocking allegations of systemic corruption, data manipulation and unethical practices within Big Pharma. Drawing on his decades-long career with companies like Eli Lilly, Virapen delivers a firsthand account of what he describes as a profit-driven machine that endangers public health.
One of the most startling examples in “Medicine Cult” involves the drug benoxaprofen, marketed as Opren, an arthritis drug that Virapen helped promote during his tenure at Eli Lilly. Virapen notes how Opren was supposed to be the next “miracle drug.” But the reality was far from phenomenal.
Despite mounting reports of severe side effects, including kidney and liver failure, the company allegedly concealed data and continued aggressive marketing. Virapen notes how, even when people were dying, instead of pulling the drug, Eli Lilly doubled down. Fortunately, in the end, Opren was eventually withdrawn – but not before dozens of deaths were linked to the drug.
The book also delves into the marketing of Prozac, one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in history. Virapen claims the drug was originally developed as a weight-loss medication but was rebranded as an antidepressant when executives realized the potential for greater profits. He alleges that Eli Lilly manipulated clinical trials, ghostwrote studies and downplayed side effects to ensure the drug’s success. Virapen notes how he was instructed to never mention Prozac’s negative effects or the risks associated with regular use.
Virapen’s critique extends beyond individual drugs to the industry’s broader practices. He argues that pharmaceutical companies are more interested in managing symptoms than curing diseases, as chronic conditions ensure a steady stream of revenue. He also highlights the medicalization of everyday experiences, such as rebranding shyness as “social anxiety disorder” or premenstrual syndrome as “premenstrual dysphoric disorder,” to create new markets for drugs.
The historical context of Virapen’s claims underscores their relevance today. The pharmaceutical industry has long been criticized for its influence over regulatory agencies, its role in the opioid epidemic and its pricing practices. Virapen’s insider perspective adds weight to these concerns, offering a rare glimpse into the mechanisms that drive corporate decision-making.
But Virapen’s “Medicine Cult” is not just a critique; it’s also a call to action. He urges readers to take control of their health by questioning medical advice, researching treatments and exploring alternatives to pharmaceuticals. He advocates for greater transparency, stricter regulations and accountability for companies that prioritize profit over safety.
Virapen further calls on patients to avoid taking what their doctors tell them at face value. If doctors prescribe people with new medications, he tells people to not be afraid to ask questions about what these new and potentially experimental drugs are and to do their own research.
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to play a central role in global health, Virapen’s revelations and warnings serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance.
For those seeking to understand the inner workings of Big Pharma, “Medicine Cult” offers a provocative and unsettling perspective — one that challenges readers to rethink their assumptions and demand accountability from an industry that wields immense power over their well-being.
Watch this video discussing in detail John Virapen’s warnings and calls to action in his book “Medicine Cult: A Prescription for Side Effects and Death.”
This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.
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Tagged Under:
benoxaprofen, Big Pharma, conspiracy, dangerous drugs, drug addiction, drugs, harmful drugs, harmful medication, health freedom, John Virapen, Opren, pharmaceutical drug addiction, pharmaceutical fraud, Prozac
This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author