Passionate boos, cheers mark Eshoo meeting on health care Sep 4, 2009
" Er, that is why we call you ignorant. You clearly know nothing about the health care systems in the rest of the world. Jingoism is a poor substitute for data. As for "nationalized health insurance," the problem is also ignorance and fear spread by the extreme right wing of the Republican party. The large majority of Americans want what nationalized health care would bring. Single payer would be great, but short of that we need to turn the health insurers into non-profits. It really is the only... (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Sepracor vows to stay in Mass. Sep 4, 2009
He noted that the company is generating $300 million to $400 million in cash a year but has a limited pipeline of new drugs in development and its existing products will face competition from generic drugs in coming years. Hirsch also doubted another suitor would step forward with a better bid. (Boston Globe)
Pfizer's huge fine: A disturbing trend Sep 4, 2009
Pharmaceutical companies are using free-trade deals like CAFTA to eliminate global competition -- and deny poor patients access to cheaper generic drugs. August 12, 2005. (Salon)
Pfizer To Pay Record $2.3B Penalty Over Promotions Sep 3, 2009
Do you buy generic drugs from the pharmacy when you fill prescriptions ... No, I do not want to use generic drugs. (Click2Houston, TX)
Health Claim Costs Expected To Rise 10.5% Aug 26, 2009
Employers also have encouraged their workers to use generic drugs and cost-management programs. The health care overhaul debate currently taking place in Washington, D.C., won't control this growth. (KIRO TV, WA)
Read the 'Cost of Freedom' recap Aug 25, 2009
The reality behind this, there is 300 generic drugs being offered here for $10 a piece. If you have ever gotten prescription drugs in the past, you know there is not a whole lot of generic drugs that cost much more than $10 a piece ... For example, TEVA pharmaceuticals, a great worldwide, if you will, pharmaceutical company that does all of these generic drugs. (Fox News)
Readers Write 8/20 Aug 20, 2009
I would only add that we also need generic drugs and let s make sure we close the doughnut hole on Medicare Part D. If we start with these baby steps, then maybe we can address some of the other improvements needed in future bills. Rich Sanford, Woodstock. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Flamingos are whatever color Obama says they are Aug 18, 2009
jeroze wrote on Aug 17, 2009 4:08 PM:" A lady who works in Walmart is making $21,000 a year. She is 59. Her husband is on Social Security Disablility and will be 65 in November.Presently she does have health care insurance. Their income together is $33,000 a year. This is above the threshold for help in paying medical bills and prescription drug costs.The lady has diabetes. Her husband has had a heart by pass about 5 years ago. Now he will go on Medicare in November. He claims that the... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
What should be done with health care? Aug 14, 2009
What should be done with health care. - Opinion - Hot Topics - The Columbus Telegram - Columbus, Nebraska's Community Newspaper. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Column: Baird, Smith take different approaches to town hall meetings Aug 12, 2009
No Nickname wrote on Aug 11, 2009 2:18 PM:" LBW, you may be right. The smaller pharmaceutical companies are in support because of the provisions that will reduce the patent hold that the big pharmaceutical companies can have on their formulas to increase the amount of generic drugs to help reduce medication costs. Often the generics work just as good but the smaller companies can't make them fast enough to make an impact on out-of-pocket costs. ". TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 11, 2009 2:28 PM:" No... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Astellas Seeks Rigorous Testing and Safety-Related Labeling for Anti-Rejection Medications Aug 11, 2009
Bioequivalence testing measures how closely the absorption of the active ingredient in a generic drug mirrors that of an innovator drug. A generic drug must demonstrate that it falls within an acceptable range of absorption, as compared to the innovator drug. (PR Newswire)
Row over seizure of low-cost drugs Aug 10, 2009
The medicine was being shipped mainly from India, where they were produced by generic drug producers, to Latin American and African countries ... In May 2009, the generic drug amoxicililin (used in treating many bacterial infections) was seized in Frankfurt airport en route from India to Vanuatu in transit. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Patients, insured or not, grasp for care Aug 9, 2009
"But we have enough money for basic care," which could be paid for by eliminating duplicative medical tests or swapping generic drugs for expensive brand-name medications, among other measures. "Why is it we can get some medicines from Wal-Mart for just $4, yet we pay much more from our insurance companies?" he asked. (Florida Today)
Biotech drug companies step up lobbying war Aug 4, 2009
The generic drug industry sees that as supporting the biotech companies, but council vice president Marc Boutin says its position is a balance of the views of the 50 patient advocacy groups, like the March of Dimes, that comprise the heart of his organization. "The sponsors have no control or input" into council projects, Boutin said. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Remarks by the president in an AARA tele-town hall on health care reform Jul 31, 2009
And this is modeled on something called MedPAC, which, by the way, Jennie, who is sitting right next to me, is currently on, and gives terrific recommendations every year about how we could improve care -- to reduce the number of tests, or to make sure that we're getting more generic drugs in the system if those work and are cheaper -- all kinds of recommendations like that. Unfortunately, right now they're just sitting on a shelf. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Michael Winship and Bill Moyers: Obama's health care struggle -- Waterloo or water down? Jul 29, 2009
The Senate Health Committee is giving the biotech industry monopoly protection against competition from generic drugs for 12 years after they go on the market. No wonder the cost of reform keeps going up and up and up. (Medfield Press, MA)
Axelrod: Obama Tried to "Cool" Gates Flap Jul 27, 2009
We made enormous progress on this and I think we will continue to do that, and it will be a target to get something done in the fall on this, which has always been, you know, our goal," he said opitimistically. MMIX, CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Share: Video and Galleries from Face The Nation Video Video Video Latest in Face The Nation 1 by dwilson59 July 26, 2009 1:05 PM EDT I want to hear the tape!!! Let the people judge themselfs. I have a feeling the tape will never get... (CBS News)
How to save on everyday items Jul 27, 2009
To save money, request a three-month prescription and generic drugs. Watch YouTube how-to videos and learn lingo before hiring home repairman. (CNN)
Glaxo profits up 11 percent on emerging markets Jul 24, 2009
STAT Pharmaceuticals distributes flu vaccine, brand and generic drugs and medical office supplies to licensed facilities, especially office-based physicians. Register and save today. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
OBAMA: THE BLUE PILL, THE RED PILL... Jul 24, 2009
why would I buy generic drugs. Robert Thorn. (The Drudge Report)
Protesters rally outside office of Anna Eshoo Jul 21, 2009
Among the drug companies there is the squabble over generic drugs versus namebrand, high-profit versions. Among Pharmacies there is the effort to substitute generics and charge a fortune anyway. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Watson to go global with $1.75 billion Arrow buy Jul 14, 2009
75 billion, clinching a long-expected deal by the U.S. generic drugmaker to expand internationally. In acquiring Arrow, Watson will gain a generic drugmaker with 647 million in revenue last year, selling drugs in more than 20 countries, including Canada, France and Britain ... Under Chief Executive Paul Bisaro, Watson has made no secret of its desire to make an acquisition that would allow it to sell its products internationally and better compete in the increasingly global generic drug... (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
EU finds drug firms make billions stalling generics Jul 10, 2009
EUROPEAN patients, taxpayers and national treasuries are being fleeced of billions of euros because of the big pharmaceutical companies' elaborate campaigns to delay the marketing of cheaper generic drugs, the European Commission says ... The commission estimates that generic drugs are 40 per cent cheaper than their branded equivalents within two years of coming on the market, while it calculates that the retail medication market in the EU is worth ;214 billion ($380 billion) a year. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
EU puts drugmakers on notice over medicine patents Jul 9, 2009
"The commission will now step up its antitrust enforcement" and monitor deals between major and generic drugmakers ... The EU's antitrust division called for an EU-wide patent and litigation system and for national governments to speed up generic drug approvals ... The EU says generic drugs are on average 40% cheaper than their branded rivals two years after they launch and play a key role in driving down health costs for Europe's aging and ailing population. (USA Today -- Money)
Consumer Reports to Parents: Think Twice About Free Prescription ADHD Drug Samples for Your Children Jul 9, 2009
By switching to one of those two generic drugs, consumers could save roughly $3,000 a year off the retail price. The report is available for free online at. (PR Newswire)
On Call blog Jul 9, 2009
We must close the donut hole and allow for cheaper, generic drugs to make Medicare Part D more meaningful for our seniors. Step three is to end overpayment for some Medicare Advantage plans. (The Palm Beach Post)
Sanofi-Aventis' Multaq Approved By FDA Jul 3, 2009
The drug is considered highly important for the future of Sanofi as it seeks to offset competition from generic drugs and as patents from some of its leading products expire. Sanofi has forecast annual sales of more than EUR1 billion for Multaq, generically known as dronedarone. (SmartMoney)
Superfat hits Asia Jul 2, 2009
The fact that the market will inevitably continue to grow in volume also means that the price of the available drugs keeps falling, squeezed by the increased availability of generic drugs. A branded LLA pill costs $3 to $4 a day for the rest of your life. (Asia Times Online)
American health care: Heading for the emergency room Jun 26, 2009
Europe does indeed spend less on new branded drugs, but also uses fewer generic drugs and pays much more for them. And Switzerland actually has higher drug prices than America (as does Canada). (The Economist)
Drug Deal Valid If Congress Overhauls Health Care Jun 23, 2009
Current conditions for local cities. Forecasted Temperatures. (KIRO TV, WA)
Got a mystery cough? 8 possible culprits Jun 20, 2009
(Check out this list of common brand-name and generic drugs that are ACE inhibitors. About 42 million prescriptions for ACE inhibitors are written each year, and about 1 in 5 people who take the drugs develop a dry cough. (CNN -- Health)
2010 Health Care Costs Expected To Rise 9% Jun 19, 2009
A growing use of generic drugs has helped tame spending, according to the most recent survey. Actual cost increases for this year and last were not available. (KIRO TV, WA)
Vast Majority Won’t Have Access To Antivirals In Pandemic, But Generic Drugs Could Help Prevent Deaths Jun 16, 2009
Vast Majority Won t Have Access To Antivirals In Pandemic, But Generic Drugs Could Help Prevent Deaths ... Vast Majority Won t Have Access To Antivirals In Pandemic, But Generic Drugs Could Help Prevent Deaths ... ScienceDaily (June 15, 2009) Almost 90 per cent of the world s population will not have timely access to affordable supplies of vaccines and antiviral agents in the current influenza pandemic, but it is possible that inexpensive generic drugs that are readily available, even in... (Science Daily)
A Fierce Fight Over Free Lunches For Physicians May 26, 2009
Critics of the gifts say the implications are enormous: doctors may feel pressure to prescribe the drugs pitched during a free lunch, even if they are no more effective than cheaper generic drugs or not the best for a particular patient. The proposed marketing limitations have drawn the support of state , the Connecticut Center for Patient Safety and the Consumers , the publisher of Consumer Reports. (FOX61, CT)
Common Virus May Cause High Blood Pressure May 16, 2009
Doctors typically use generic drugs such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors to control blood pressure, a condition that affects one in every three adults in the United States. The study suggests that vaccines and antiviral drugs may offer a new approach at treating hypertension, Crumpacker said. (Newsmax)
US prescription drug use fell in 2008, study says May 15, 2009
Medco said growing use of low-cost generic drugs reduced the growth in total spending: 64 percent of all prescriptions were filled with generic drugs. Medco and other pharmacy benefits managers make a larger profit when generic drugs are substituted for brand-name ones. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Novartis posts 14 percent drop in 1Q profit May 2, 2009
Profits fell because of currency losses, investments in new pharmaceuticals, reduced incomes from its Sandoz generic drugs unit and one-time gains in 2008. "A drop in average net liquidity and financing costs for the 25 percent Alcon stake, which was acquired in 2008, further reduced non-operating income in the 2009 quarter," it said. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
New clients, higher prices lift Medco 1Q profit May 2, 2009
NEW YORK Pharmacy benefits manager Medco Health Solutions Inc. said Wednesday new clients and increased use of higher-margin generic drugs boosted its profit in the first-quarter, with results exceeding Wall Street's expectations ... 8 percent of prescriptions were for low-cost generic drugs up from 63 ... Medco profit margins are typically higher on generic drugs. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Readers write Apr 28, 2009
One was because they would only allow the less effective generic drug. With the other two, there was no generic equivalent, so the prescriptions were simply denied. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Humana 1Q Profit More Than Doubles Apr 28, 2009
Greater use of generic drugs also helped the plans' profit margins. A year ago, higher-than-expected claims in the Medicare prescription plans caused a drag on Humana's earnings. (KIRO TV, WA)
Merck, Biogen Combat Obama's Drug Comparisons With Help From Easter Seals Apr 18, 2009
The companies fear that older generic drugs might very well turn out to be better than the newer advertised drugs, which bring in much more of a profit, said Julian Zelizer, a history and public affairs professor at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. In difficult economic times, the drug companies dont want to take any risks, so they are bringing out the biggest lobbyists in the business. (Bloomberg)
Patients on hold for meds Apr 13, 2009
After making countless phone calls and talking to her insurance carrier, Freeman was told that she needed to try a less expensive generic drug in order to be covered. At the moment, Freeman's physician is trying to sort out the situation. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
A 'total cure' for health care? Apr 11, 2009
I always say "then go back "home"... They have finally come to see what is happening with the health care of the more aged they left "back home", the standard of living of their peers "back home", the state of their country's economy and the looming collapse from completely unfunded entitlemetns..and are starting to figure out what living in a free country means. Posted by Perspective, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Apr 5, 2009 at 4:53 pmForgot one of the proposals made many times... (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Study: Cholesterol drug lowers blood clot risk Apr 7, 2009
45 a day versus less than a dollar for generic drugs. Its sales have been rising even though two statins ---- Zocor and Pravachol ---- are now available in generic form. (North County Times)
Charting a new course at the FDA Apr 6, 2009
Fourth, the FDA should review generic drugs as fast as brand-name drugs. A key to lowering drug prices is to get generic drugs to market quickly after their brand-name counterparts lose their exclusive marketing rights ... Drug companies want to delay the appearance of generic drugs as long as possible, and the FDA helps by taking roughly twice as long to approve them as to approve brand-name drugs. (Boston Globe)
Five Leading Retail Rip-Offs Apr 1, 2009
Doctors do not always think to prescribe a generic drug but that doesn't mean one is not available ... Brand & Generic Drugs: Its not right for you the say on televised (TV) media that its the same ... Generic Drugs only have to meet FDA's limited standards in order to get it approved or labeled as a generic version of the brand drug. (CBS News -- Early Show)
"Polypill" For Heart Passes Big Test Apr 1, 2009
The insurance Co's would love it as it would wean folks from the more expensive "brand name" non generic drugs. Contrary to many "dumb as dirt comments" insurance makes money by offering you cheaper service not more expensive. (CBS News)
Cheap Cocktail of Aspirin, Drugs May Cut Risk of Heart Disease in Half Apr 1, 2009
March 31 (Bloomberg) -- A cocktail of aspirin and four other generic drugs, combined in a single pill, may halve the risk of heart disease in middle-aged people, researchers said. A study of 2,053 seemingly healthy volunteers in India shows the treatment known as a polypill may be a simple and effective way to combat heart disease, researchers said at the meeting in Florida. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
How Would Obama Plan Cut Health Costs? Apr 1, 2009
It would also allow consumers to import safe drugs from other countries and help prevent drug companies from blocking generic drugs from consumers. Catastrophic illness costs Researchers have found that the top 5 percent of people with the greatest health care expenses in the U.S. account for 49 percent of the overall spending. (Click2Houston, TX)
US drug sales growth continues slowdown in 2008 Mar 29, 2009
Market research firm IMS cites lower demand for less-expensive generic drugs, lagging new product sales, and reduced consumer demand. Sales rose just 1. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Sanofi's Heart Drug Gets Shot With U.S. Reviewers at $1.9 Billion in Sales Mar 17, 2009
Citigroup analysts said the pill may be shown to be safer than generic drugs like amiodarone, which has toxic side effects. The analysts advised their clients earlier this month to adopt an investing strategy that would pay off if shares rally following the FDA advisory committee hearing. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
4 steps to cure surging health costs Mar 16, 2009
Encouraging physicians to prescribe generic drugs has resulted in savings to Partners hospitals of about $2 million per year and to patients of up to $300,000 annually in co-payments. Achieving success in each of these four areas will not be easy, but Massachusetts has never been afraid to take the lead on challenging issues. (Boston Globe)
There's help to rein in drug costs Feb 22, 2009
A number of stores, including , Target, , and Walgreens, are offering bargains for generic drugs that are cheaper than the copay typically charged by prescription coverage through health insurance. Wal-Mart and Target are offering a month's supply of generic drugs for $4 and a 90-day supply for $10 ... These programs generally offer generic drugs only, and not all generics are included, so if you are taking a combination of generic and name brand medicines, you may end up having to make an extra... (Boston Globe)
Treat Health Like Car Feb 21, 2009
"A prescription filled with a generic drug will cost, on average, $40 less per prescription," according to ... A host of retailers, including Wal-Mart, Target and Costco, now offer flat fees for generic drugs. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Cash rewards for family doctors who prescribe fewer medicines Feb 20, 2009
The scheme will focus on handing out cheaper generic drugs rather than branded ones - even though the cheaper versions of cholesterol-busting statins have been linked to sleep problems and a raised risk of heart attack and stroke. Fewer antibiotics will be given for coughs and colds and fewer people will receive asthma inhalers. (Daily Mail)
No health insurance? Get help here Feb 14, 2009
If you can't afford health insurance -- or if your insurance doesn't include good prescription drug benefits -- look for $4 generic drugs at many major supermarkets and drug stores. Also, your state may offer a (after you click, scroll down to see Table 2). (CNN -- Health)
Seizure Threats Linked to State Drug-Swap Laws May Trim Teva, Mylan Sales Feb 11, 2009
Armed with more than 1,000 similar reports, the Epilepsy Foundation of America and other patient-advocacy groups are pressing lawmakers in at least 33 states to stop pharmacies from substituting generic drugs for the originals before patients and their doctors are alerted to the changes ... Generic drugs, copies of medicines that have lost patent protection, can cost 70 percent less than the originals ... Last year, 71 percent of prescriptions were filled by copies, a portion that has climbed... (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Cipro, other fluoroquinolone antibiotics overprescribed; effects not widely known Feb 8, 2009
Generic drug names often include "floxacin" as part of their name, such as ciprofloxacin. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says serious side effects are rare, here are some to watch for and let your doctor know about immediately: Tendon disorders: Beware of any pain, swelling or inflammation of your tendons. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Generic Heart Drugs As Good As Brand-Name Counterparts Feb 7, 2009
"We found no evidence that brand-name drugs are any better in terms of clinical outcomes than generic drugs," said Dr. Aaron S. Kesselheim, lead author of a study appearing in the Dec. 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association and an instructor in medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "The FDA [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] has approved all generic drugs and certifies that they are bioequivalent, meaning equivalent in all biological and chemical... (MEDLINEplus)
