Dopesick season 1 episode 1 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Purdue Pharma, facing the expiration of their MS Contin patent, plots to create OxyContin for moderate long-term pain. As Dr. Peterson testifies about being introduced to this "nonaddictive" drug in 1996, Purdue's aggressive marketing strategy unfolds. Their sales reps are trained to push OxyContin, emphasizing a misleading "less than 1% addiction" rate. Meanwhile, Dr. Finnix faces the harsh reality of his patients dying from addiction. Government and DEA agents begin probing Purdue and the FDA's questionable approval of OxyContin's label. The episode poignantly portrays personal struggles and the burgeoning opioid crisis.

Full Episode S01E01 Recap

### Opening Scene: Redefining Pain - A meeting at Purdue Pharma discusses chronic pain and the upcoming expiration of the patent for MS Contin. - Purdue proposes creating a new opioid, OxyContin, for long-term moderate pain. ### Testimony and Flashbacks - Dr. Peterson testifies about first hearing of OxyContin in 1996, introduced as nonaddictive by Purdue's reps. - The narrative shifts between the grand jury, Purdue meetings, and the impact of OxyContin on communities. ### Dr. Finnix's Realization - Dr. Finnix reflects on the number of his patients now dead due to OxyContin addiction. ### Scenes of Community and Personal Struggles - Various community members, including miners and teenagers, deal with personal and health issues, subtly illustrating the creeping influence of opioids. ### Purdue Pharma's Aggressive Marketing Strategy - Purdue plans to double its sales force, using detailed profiles to target doctors and promote OxyContin. ### Sales Rep Training and Strategies - Purdue trains its sales force, emphasizing the "less than 1% addiction" rate and encouraging aggressive tactics to persuade doctors. ### The Impact of OxyContin Marketing - The narrative shows the effects of Purdue's aggressive marketing on doctors, patients, and communities, highlighting the growing opioid crisis. ### Government Response and Investigation - Government officials and DEA agents start investigating Purdue Pharma and OxyContin, uncovering dubious practices, including the hiring of an FDA official who approved OxyContin's label. ### Personal Stories Amidst the Crisis - Personal stories of addiction, pain, and struggle continue to unfold, showing the human cost of the opioid epidemic. ### Closing Scenes: The Growing Epidemic - The episode ends with scenes of increased opioid addiction, Purdue Pharma's profits, and the growing realization of OxyContin's dangers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the meeting at Purdue Pharma at the beginning?

The focus is on creating a new opioid, OxyContin, for long-term moderate pain.

Who testifies about first hearing of OxyContin?

Dr. Peterson.

When did Dr. Peterson first hear about OxyContin?

Around the summer of 1996.

What was Purdue Pharma's key selling point for OxyContin?

That it was essentially nonaddictive, with less than 1% addiction rate.

What realization does Dr. Finnix come to?

He realizes many of his patients are now dead due to OxyContin addiction.

What is Purdue Pharma's marketing strategy for OxyContin?

To double their sales force and use aggressive tactics to target doctors.

How does Purdue Pharma train its sales force?

By emphasizing the "less than 1% addiction" claim and encouraging strategies to persuade doctors.

How is the government responding to the opioid crisis?

Government officials and DEA agents start investigating Purdue Pharma and the approval process of OxyContin's label.

What dubious practice is uncovered about Purdue Pharma and the FDA?

Purdue hired an FDA official who had approved OxyContin's label.

What is the human cost shown in the episode?

Personal stories unfold showing addiction, pain, and struggle due to the opioid epidemic.

Dopesick season 1 episode 1

First Bottle