News Health Care: The cost of medications

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The discussion highlights the shockingly high retail prices of medications, particularly for topical treatments for conditions like psoriasis, where one cream costs $466 for a small amount of active ingredient. The conversation delves into the complexities of pharmaceutical pricing, including the significant costs associated with research and development, regulatory approvals, and the need for companies to recover these expenses while generating profits. It points out that Americans bear a disproportionate burden of these costs compared to other countries, which often pay much less for the same drugs. Additionally, the dialogue raises concerns about the influence of pharmaceutical lobbyists on healthcare laws, suggesting that the system is designed to benefit the industry rather than consumers. Ultimately, the high cost of medications is framed as a critical flaw in the U.S. healthcare system, impacting patients' ability to afford necessary treatments.
  • #31
Schrodinger's Dog said:
They make enough money let's face it.

Perhaps. But if we were to somehow ban profits entirely, it would only turn the $466 tube of medication into a $375 tube. It's important to understand the basic scale of what we're dealing with.
 
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  • #32
Vanadium 50 said:
Perhaps. But if we were to somehow ban profits entirely, it would only turn the $466 tube of medication into a $375 tube. It's important to understand the basic scale of what we're dealing with.
More likely the tube would never exist.
 
  • #34
I have tried some alternatives in the past but none were effective. However, I'm itching to see what my dermatologist has to say about your list. :biggrin:
 
  • #35
Wal-Mart Claims $4 Generics Have Saved Consumers $1 B
http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/03/14/wal-mart-claims-4-generics-have-saved-consumers-1-billion/

Wal-Mart’s doing a bit of chest thumping this morning, claiming that its $4 generics program has saved consumers $1 billion — $1,032,573,012.61 as of March 10, to be precise.

The company says the $4 drugs now account for 40% of all prescriptions filled at its stores, adding that nearly 30% of the cheap prescriptions are purchased without insurance.

There should be some way to see if this is effecting any of the nationwide stats on costs. I am guessing high deductible plans (HSAs) have something to do with this.
 

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