How are drugs made cheaper by ‘cutting’ with something that can be even more powerful than the original drug?

Question

How are drugs made cheaper by ‘cutting’ with something that can be even more powerful than the original drug?

In: 357

Answer 1

Something can be more powerful without being more expensive.
Industrial use acid might be stronger and cheaper than lemon juice for the same perceived effect but you do not want it in your food.

Answer 2

Some drugs are mainly grown naturally. They can be synthesized in a lab but their molecular strucutures make it difficult and not worth it. Fentanyl is very easy to synthesize and you only need a tiny dose to knock someone out.