All articles tagged with #medication costs
The article discusses how U.S. seniors increasingly rely on cheaper Canadian and international pharmacies for prescription medications, but recent trade policies, tariffs, and shipment restrictions are making access more difficult and expensive, raising concerns about affordability and safety.
President Donald Trump urged 17 major drugmakers to reduce U.S. drug prices within 60 days, threatening to use all available tools if they fail to comply. He emphasized tying U.S. drug prices to lower international prices and demanded commitments to provide the lowest prices to Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial payers, aiming to lower costs for American families amid industry stock declines.
A study suggests that the popular weight loss jab Ozempic, which can cost up to $1,300, could be manufactured for as little as $5, raising concerns about the immense profit margin. The high demand for the drug, originally intended to treat type 2 diabetes, has led to a shortage and the emergence of potentially dangerous counterfeit medications. The study's authors hope to spark a conversation about fair pricing for medications, as the drugmaker, Novo Nordisk, faces scrutiny over the hefty price tag of Ozempic.
A 70-year-old woman with fibromyalgia expresses her struggle with the high cost of medications such as Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella, which are now out of her financial reach. Despite diet changes and exercise providing marginal relief, she finds herself without help and options for relief during flare-ups. Dr. Keith Roach, a physician, acknowledges the challenges faced by patients with fibromyalgia and emphasizes the importance of managing diet, exercise, and sleep. He suggests considering older and cheaper medications like tricyclic antidepressants, which can be more effective than newer options. Additionally, he recommends exploring prescription-drug savings programs like GoodRx or SingleCare, as well as the Cost Plus Drug Company online, to obtain medications at significantly reduced prices. However, he notes that newer and expensive drugs may not be available at such discounts through these programs.
A reader shares their experience of a drug interaction between Sudafed and a motion sickness patch that caused urine flow issues during a cruise. The article also discusses the positive effects of semaglutide (Wegovy) for individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the high cost of medications, prompting the suggestion of ordering from a legitimate Canadian pharmacy to save money on brand-name drugs.
Medicare has started its first round of drug price negotiations, which will eventually benefit enrollees, but the effects won't be seen for a couple of years. In the meantime, there are other upcoming changes to medication costs, and individuals are advised to take steps now to reduce their spending.