PROS

While pharmaceutical drugs work faster to cure diseases and illnesses compared to herbal alternatives, they also have the capability to prevent other diseases and increase mortality rates. According to the New England Journal off Medicine, regular use of aspirin was associated with longer survive rates among patients who mutated PIK3CA colorectal cancer. Patients that take regular dosages of aspirin to treat heart conditions  had a 57% lower risk of death compared to those who did not consume aspirin.(Journal of Clinical Oncology).

For women who take the pharmaceutical Metformin to treat diabetes (for a continuous period of three years), has a reduced risk of developing breast cancer by 25%. Taking Metformin also helps patients  develop improved insulin response. (National Library of Medicine).

Besides pills and capsules, Patients can also use vaccinations to help fight many conditions. Not only do vaccinations treat conditions like the flu, they also produce antibodies which helps the body from contracting the disease again. Besides treating the flu, flu shots also help prevent heart disease and strokes. According to Jacob A. Udell, the co author of a study led by the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, getting flu vaccinations could cut the risk of developing a heart disease by 48%. (EurekAlert).

CONS

While many benefits pertain to the use of pharmaceutical drugs, Pharmaceutical drugs come with disadvantages as well. One of the most common being the abuse of pharmaceutical drugs. According to the foundation for a Drug-free world, 15 million people abuse of pharmaceuticals in the US alone. The misuse of pharmaceuticals also serve as the largest percentage of deaths relating to drug abuse. (drug free world)

Aside from the misuse of pharmaceuticals, the cost of pharmaceutical drugs are very high. For instance, Tylenol costs between $.50 to $1.00 per pill. Xanax costs about $5-$7 per pill and Valium costs $4-$6 per pill. (lexisnexis)