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I have read this entire thread, and perhaps this link to a very recent news article in Canada will open some eyes .
The Canadian Federal Government, and the 13 Provincial and Territorial Governments have a committee that negotiates the cost of prescription drug prices, with the pharmacy drug makers ( many of which are US based corporations ).
Under our Federal law on prescription drug sales, there is a national "price list " that sets out exactly what the cost of each drug will be, to the retail buyer, at their local drug store. The only thing that varies is the small fee that the druggist can charge, for filling the prescription. Typically that fee is about $5 per script.
On average, the retail price of prescription drugs in Canada, compared to the same drug in the USA, is 50 to 80 percent less.
I have a longstanding case of ulcerative colitis. The drug that has made a huge improvement in my life is Remicade. The annual cost of it is about $10,000 CDN. As I am a senior, on a fixed income, my MD applied on my behalf, to the Ontario Trillium Fund, for funding, which I now receive. The Trillium Fund is directly funded by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission, who operate the casinos and lotteries in Ontario. So, every two months when I get my infusion, I silently thank those who gamble, as they are paying from my medical treatment.
OK now for that link to the news article about how the Canadian Governments negotiate drug prices with the drug makers. This has been the standard practice here for many years.
Beware new drugs that are expensive and yet do not prolong life or increase quality of life. A scam? Search for proven generic drugs with a long history of safety and effectiveness.
I don't like generic's. They have the same technical effect but sometimes have minor little side issues, I sometimes get minor side effects and I've noticed a difference in effect.
More importantly I don't trust generics. A lot of them are made in 2nd or 3rd world countries with less oversight and potentially less effectiveness than, hopefully at anyrate, something with a brand name that would be damaged by bad press. There have been instances where generics have been found to be ineffective due to problems with manufacturing. I haven't looked but there are probably some incidences with brand name too. But it is a nice option if money isn't an issue because they are often far cheaper yes.
As to drug prices in retirement, it is often listed as one of the things that retiree's didn't factor in whenthey were planning, Rising drug costs as you age, either because you have to take more types and/or they are more expensive.
I don't think you're a freak of nature. We all need to maintain our health, and diet, exercise, and prescriptions are tools we should employ.
I vacillate between relief and horror regarding pharmaceuticals. On one hand, there are an ever-increasing number of drugs available to help me slow down the progression of my MS and ameliorate some symptoms. My quality of life is maintained, and I should be able to remain an contributing member of the workforce for longer.
On the other hand, my two prescriptions cost $6230 and $1827 per month. That's rather costly, especially given that these aren't a cure and have limited efficacy. Since my employer offers a high-deductible plan, I have to cover the deductible, which means each January I'm greeted with a $5800 bill. Still, I'm fortunate to have employer-provided insurance. I cannot fathom what it would be like to be in this situation otherwise.
I am sorry about your situation, which is quite inconceivable to me. Indeed, my prices are quite reasonable. But my real complaint is not the prices but the bitter disappointment and humiliation I feel at being on prescription drugs. This is the first time I have been able to admit publicly to being on drugs, sort of like going to confession, I guess. Old age sucks big time.
I suppose the tripling of the price for the same drug in a time-release version was just symbolic of my frustration at being on the drug in the first place.
But ER, you have to understand that drug cartels have overhead too.
If it's expensive question your doc. Why do you need this particular one? Will anything cheaper still work? Could you go back to your old medication and take half in the morning and half in the evening? SO is allergic to penicillin. He had a dental infection and the dentist wrote him a scrip for 20 erythromycin capsules. We went to fill it and the pharmacist told us it would cost $290.00. Whoa! That's an old drug that should be cheap. The pharmacist called the dentist and got a prescription for Keflex instead, a very reasonable $4. Fixed him right up! There are almost always alternatives!
Until a few days ago I had never paid more than $10 for a prescription drug. Then my doctor switched me to an extended release version of the same drug I had been taking, and the cost was $30. Three times cheap does not equal horribly expensive of course, but it is still triple the cost, so it caught my attention.
I do realize that talking drug prices is more about the medical coverage one has than about the actual prices of the drugs themselves on the open market. The prices cited above are my co-pays, and the $30 was for a three-month supply. Still, I used to get a three-month supply for $10.
I also realize that my topic may be of no interest to many folks because they are not on any prescription drugs, but I have a genetically substandard body in a bunch of respects and at 71 I have been on one drug since my 50's with a second one added four or five years ago. I don't like it, but it is what it is, namely a consequence of aging in my particular case. But I feel like a freak of nature.
ER, while I sympathize with the added expense of your medication, let me assure you that you are certainly not a freak of nature. Unless, of course, you are but taking medication isn't part of it.
Because of that medication, you are able to communicate by computer with people world-wide, moderate this forum, be cognizant of the fact that your prescription cost has increased; these are all things that some people your age can't do. In fact, those prescriptions may be the reason you were able to reach your current age.
You can always wear a hoodie and sunglasses when you go to the pharmacy to pick up your meds. Or get them from mail-order and no one will ever have to know.
Seriously, you should be proud that you only take two meds. Continued good health to you.
I am sorry about your situation, which is quite inconceivable to me. Indeed, my prices are quite reasonable. But my real complaint is not the prices but the bitter disappointment and humiliation I feel at being on prescription drugs. This is the first time I have been able to admit publicly to being on drugs, sort of like going to confession, I guess. Old age sucks big time.
I suppose the tripling of the price for the same drug in a time-release version was just symbolic of my frustration at being on the drug in the first place.
Consider yourself blessed. For people with serious medical issues, your frustration at being on a drug falls into the princess and pea category.
Since "Obummercare" became law, I can no longer get them unless I have shingles
DH can still get them on his traditional insurance for his shoulder.
I could get all the addictive pain killer pills I want on Medicare, if I chose to use them but I don't want them
What is wrong with that picture? They would rather see me addicted to drugs, than to provide something that is safe and works. I suppose in their stupid minds, my 68 year old self should have got rid of my horses and be sitting in a rocker with a blanket over my lap instead of keeping busy and retaining some muscle by mucking stalls.
Weird. My father's Medicare prescription plan pays for his lidocaine patches. Just sayin'.
Many of the the drugs that have been newly approved are only marginally better than the older drugs and are MUCH more expensive, AND aren't covered by insurance. Insist on knowing EXACTLY why you supposedly need a more expensive drug and how it is substantially better. YOU can decide on the medication but you have to talk to your doctor and tell them your priorities.
I am sorry about your situation, which is quite inconceivable to me. Indeed, my prices are quite reasonable. But my real complaint is not the prices but the bitter disappointment and humiliation I feel at being on prescription drugs. This is the first time I have been able to admit publicly to being on drugs, sort of like going to confession, I guess. Old age sucks big time.
I suppose the tripling of the price for the same drug in a time-release version was just symbolic of my frustration at being on the drug in the first place.
You DO need to get over it - I don't mean to be harsh but many of us have chronic conditions that are completely unrelated to how healthy we try to live but are afflicted regardless. I've taken daily meds for decades and it does not affect in the least my self esteem. At least you have meds that are actually helping your condition - which is more than some can say. So don't be hard on yourself for taking care of yourself by doing what you need to do!
Last edited by reneeh63; 01-24-2016 at 10:36 AM..
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