In this episode of The Aging Well Podcast, Dr. Jeff Armstrong is joined by Dr. Jerry Avorn, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, chief of the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and author of Rethinking Medications: Truth, Power, and the Drugs You Take. Dr. Avorn discusses his journey into medicine, particularly geriatrics, and the importance of rethinking how medications are evaluated and prescribed. He highlights the influence of the pharmaceutical industry, the complexities of drug safety, and the challenges posed by high drug prices in the U.S. The discussion also touches on the FDA's approval process, the role of politics in drug policy, and the importance of patient empowerment in managing medications. Dr. Avorn emphasizes the need for better communication between patients and healthcare providers, as well as the potential benefits and pitfalls of using AI and the internet for health information. In this conversation, Jerry Avorn and Jeff Armstrong discuss the complexities of health information in the age of AI, the misconceptions surrounding drug marketing, and the importance of scientific literacy. They explore the dangers of unregulated supplements, share case studies on opioids and cancer drugs, and delve into the potential of psychedelics. The discussion also covers practical steps for improving drug affordability and access, as well as necessary reforms in the drug approval process. Finally, they share insights on aging well, emphasizing the importance of diet, exercise, and social connections.

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