Prescription drug prices in the United States
From Free net encyclopedia
Prescription drug prices for single-source brand name drugs in the United States are significantly higher than in Canada and other countries, many of which have price controls. Prices for generically available drugs tend to be higher in Canada. Many older Americans travel to Canada, or order their medicine online from Canadian pharmacies, in order to save 50% or more on necessary drugs. The drug companies argue that they need high prices in the US, in order to continue to fund research. Prescription drug prices, in particular as part of Medicare, have become a political issue in the United States.
Critics argue that there is no reason for American consumers to subsidize drug prices in other first-world nations. Drug manufacturers have taken action, including threats to stop selling their products to Canadian pharmacies, to stop Americans from receiving these lower drug prices.
It is claimed by the drug companies and Food and Drug Administration regulators that there is danger to consumers in using drugs from Canada. There is scepticism, based on how much actual risk is involved.
Both houses of Congress have passed legislation to permit imports; but the Bush Administration and the FDA are opposed. The anticipated Medicare reforms, expected to pass, include prescription drug coverage under Medicare, and there is some interest in Congress in permitting imports under FDA regulation [1]
The large pharmaceutical companies maintain a website at helpingpatients.org in order to provide drugs at a reduced rate to needy consumers.