The current thread on the cost of the drug Nexium struck a chord that leads to this more general thread. Aside from the politics, the high cost of medications is in large part under the rdar, unless you, yourself are affected. I think it would be interesting to hear about the experience of others... yourself, or acquaintances who are dealing with this problem.
Not looking for solutions, but simply to see what, and how much is involved.
To kick this off, two cases with which I am familiar. DW was prescribed Prolia, for bone density. It's a twice a year "shot" that costs $1300 each, and is not covered by our Plan "D" Medicare.
The second, is for the Drug Cholcrys... a treatment for gout. It's a replacement for the ancient drug Colchicine, which, until declared illegal by the FDA, had a cost of $.06 per pill, which went to about $5 for the same strength and dosage, since reduced to about $1.00. Since a bout with gout four years ago, I have had a small supply of Colchicine... Now I have asked my doctor for a written prescription for the new drug, that I will not fill, just in case of a recurrance.. (you don't want a gout attack!)
This is a "take" on the change, which took place a few years ago.
Price of ancient remedy Colchicine goes up 2,600% after FDA gives approval | Mail Online
I think it would be interesting to see what has happened to pharmaceutical costs, both ways... when older drugs have price increases, and when copyrights expire, and the drugs drop in price, ala Lipitor...
Anything to add?
Not looking for solutions, but simply to see what, and how much is involved.
To kick this off, two cases with which I am familiar. DW was prescribed Prolia, for bone density. It's a twice a year "shot" that costs $1300 each, and is not covered by our Plan "D" Medicare.
The second, is for the Drug Cholcrys... a treatment for gout. It's a replacement for the ancient drug Colchicine, which, until declared illegal by the FDA, had a cost of $.06 per pill, which went to about $5 for the same strength and dosage, since reduced to about $1.00. Since a bout with gout four years ago, I have had a small supply of Colchicine... Now I have asked my doctor for a written prescription for the new drug, that I will not fill, just in case of a recurrance.. (you don't want a gout attack!)
This is a "take" on the change, which took place a few years ago.
Price of ancient remedy Colchicine goes up 2,600% after FDA gives approval | Mail Online
I think it would be interesting to see what has happened to pharmaceutical costs, both ways... when older drugs have price increases, and when copyrights expire, and the drugs drop in price, ala Lipitor...
Anything to add?
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