Netflix: Painkiller

Summary 

Netflix created a dramatized mini series based on the true story of the Sackler Family and their involvement in the Oxycontin epidemic produced by Purdue Pharma. This show follows the story of multiple characters (the Sackler Family, a Oxycontin consumer, a Federal investigator, Purdue Pharma sales representatives), and shows us their different points of views throughout the beginning period of this epidemic. Netflix, the producers, and the directors make sure to showcase the causes and consequences for the opioid epidemic and the unfolding of the beginning of the investigative process of Purdue Pharma.

Background/ History 

• 1993/1994 - clinical trials with patients with osteoarthritis

  • • Enrolled 133 patients, only 63 completed the trial 

      • 82% of patients experienced adverse effects - yet, it was concluded to be a “safe” and “effective” drug

    • Purdue pushed for it to be used for non-cancer patients with chronic pain

• 1996 - drug was introduced and they reached 1st year sales goals in < 4 months

  • • Created dinner parties for physicians - they were found to double the number of prescriptions

• 2001 - recommendations arose to eliminate the illegal use of Oxycontin

  • • Problem had grown to an epidemic size

    • Federal, state, and local law enforcement got involvement

• 2004 - FDA claims that Purdue Pharma created misleading or unsubstantiated marketing (deemed Oxycontin to be safe, unable to cause overdoses, and more)

• 2007 - Purdue Pharma guilty in court

• Currently → 200,000+ people in the US have died due to OD with oxycontin

Main Characters

• Britt Hufford (Dina Shihabi) - Purdue Pharma sales representative

• Shannon Schaeffer (West Duchovny) - Purdue Pharma sales representative 

• Edie Flowers (Uzo Aduba) - Federal investigator

• Richard Sackler (Matthew Broderick) - chairman and President of Purdue Pharma

• Glen Kryger (Taylor Kitsch) - Oxycontin user/ victim

Connected Themes in Our Course

• Classism

• Is Being Wealthy Healthy?

• Societal Economic Inequality

• Addiction 

• Housing

• Therapy and Prevention

• Solutions and the Future