“Common Side Effects” is a darkly comedic animated conspiracy thriller that undoubtedly uncovers the dark reality of the U.S. healthcare system. The brilliantly animated series slaps a sharp critique on its absurdities and injustices. The story follows Marshall, a mycologist, who discovers a natural cure that can heal almost any illness, even seemingly fatal injuries.
But unfortunately, not everyone is pleased with this discovery. With populist pushback against Big Pharma, wellness becoming political, and Make America Healthy Again creating unexpected alliances, Marshall’s cure isn’t just medicine—it’s a secret “they” don’t want you to know.
Why Cures Are Bad for Business
Who are ‘they’? Big Pharma, insurance companies, and government entities that fill up their pocket from keeping people sick. Though framed as a quirky action-comedy with cynical humor, “Common Side Effects” gravely suggests that we are dealing with some grotesque medical industry in the U.S.
The U.S. healthcare industry thrives on repeat customers rather than one-time cures. If chronic diseases were eliminated, pharmaceutical giants would lose billions in revenue. In 2024, Eli Lilly reported a 60% surge in sales of its diabetes treatment in the fourth quarter alone. In the same period, their obesity drug, Zepbound, generated $1.9 billion. These unethical practices lead to doctors overprescribing certain drugs, possibly ignoring better treatment options.
Will the Healthcare Industry Ever Find Real Cures?
Pharmaceutical companies have a history of prioritizing profits over patient health. In January 2025, Pfizer paid $59.7 million to settle claims that Biohaven Pharmaceuticals (which Pfizer acquired) bribed doctors to promote the migraine drug Nurtec ODT. This is yet another classic example of how pharma companies prioritize drug sales over better treatment options for profit.
There have been long-standing concerns about alternative treatments being suppressed to protect profits. In 2012, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) paid $3 billion in fines for promoting unapproved drugs and hiding safety data, raising doubts about pharma companies’ transparency.
How the Government Profits from Keeping You Sick
Recent Budget plans that propose big spending cuts to fund tax reductions could lead to Medicaid reductions, hitting rural areas the hardest. With high Medicaid enrollment in these regions, such cuts could limit access to essential healthcare services. Meanwhile, the government’s close ties with Big Pharma, high drug prices, and policies that block cheaper alternatives ensure that profits keep flowing—not to patients, but to corporations and those in power.
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