Posted by shar on May 3, 2002, at 0:37:18
In reply to Re: Oh, they cover their costs in the U.S., posted by Phil on May 2, 2002, at 18:26:44
I agree with Phil's predator position. Esp when I think about reps giving away hundreds of pills and goodies (pens, notepads, geegaws, etc....which we also pay for...) to the docs, and then make meds SO expensive. When I was employed and had insurance, I used to wonder what "poor" uninsured people did for help, if they got help at all. Now, I'm in that position....my meds are over $340 per month, I just don't see how companies can justify* that--
esp when meds are cheaper in other countries, like places in Europe where the competition is stiffer, and esp when they seem to do the bare minimum of testing (I think it is so scary to read about these studies that lasted a whole six weeks or something while we are on these for months/years...and the companies do not seem given to the idea of doing long term tests once the meds are approved).
Plus, when they have the patent for a drug, and their research costs are covered (amortized), they don't drop the cost of the med for the rest of the patent period.
[To others who don't know my history, I've done the patient assistance thing, I'm not really asking for advice here on what to do. Plus, I am not wanting to debate the issue. Just venting some frustration, really.]
I've been thinking off and on whether I should go back to drinking so I can cut my med doses more. It's very appealing to the A part of me who brightens up immediately. However, at this time I'm not going that route.
Shar
*Re justification--I know that it is a waste of breath to talk about business justifying their charges. It is whatever the market will bear, and then some if the company can get away with it. I am not so naive to believe that there is some unimpeachable standard of ethics by which companies do or "should" operate. I think this issue is another part of the "life ain't fair" school of philosophy. The lower the expectations, the better one fares.
> I'm grateful for the meds we do have but these guys are predators just like any huge money making business.
> Why can a person buy the same drug in other countries for less?
> Drug reps make good money and their schmooze budget for docs is incredible. Business' need sales people but geez.
> I'd like to know their true bottom line.
> I think I agree with the post that said they don't really care. Some people at drug company's care and then there's upper management.
> The slimey way they list their SE's is ridiculous and hasn't changed. 3% suffered some sexual side-effects such as delayed ejaculation. It's more like 89% suffer a hell of a lot more than that.
> Delayed my ass. Till when, the next olympics or when you stop their drug.
>
> On a roll, got off track
> Phil
poster:shar
thread:22982
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020430/msgs/23040.html