No, it’s not your imagination. Americans are spending more and more on prescription drugs each year. This is a huge problem. Spending on drugs is increasing as those who need them most (the aging population) find themselves adjusting to life on a fixed income. Spending on prescription drugs continues to increase by about 17% each year.

 There are many factors that can help explain why increasing amounts are spent on prescriptions each year.  First of all, mature adults who require more prescriptions are making up more and more of the population each year. Also, drug manufacturers are putting out new drugs at a dizzying pace.  Many of them are more expensive than comparable drugs on the market. And now, thanks to a revision in regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, manufacturers can advertise these new drugs directly to the consumer on TV. This is known as direct to consumer (DTC) advertising.

Banned in most other countries, DTC advertising tends to advertise the most expensive brands. A study found that thirty percent of Americans reported talking to their doctors about drugs they’ve seen advertised. 44% of these patients received prescriptions for what they asked for. Further, in 2000, of the seven most advertised drugs on TV for chronic conditions, six turned out to be the most widely used drugs of the year. 

Lastly, drug manufacturers tend to spend large amounts of money advertising their products directly to doctors and other health care providers. Although banned by many health care facilities, it is not unusual for a drug manufacturer to provide expensive meals for potential prescribers or treat physicians to a round of golf. The drug manufacturer then has to increase the price of drugs to cover these costs. The ability of the drug manufacturer to influence prescribers this way is unknown. Some studies suggest that giving these types of perks to prescribers results in the increased prescribing of the advertised drug. It must after all, or drug manufacturers wouldn’t bother to do it.

Not all news is bad news however. Although new drugs that come to market tend to be more expensive, it is important to keep in mind that most are not necessarily better than other drugs already on the market that treat the  same condition.  Be aware that there are guidelines established for the treatment of most chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Most of the guidelines recommend using time-tested medications that are now available in a generic form and are less expensive than newer, flashier, more advertised meds. Unlike newer brand name meds, these meds have withstood the test of time on the market and have been shown to be the safest and most effective options for treating these conditions.

Many pharmacy chains are also offering special incentives if you buy your prescriptions from them. Wal-Mart, for example, made headlines when they began offering $4 prescriptions. Since then, many other pharmacy chains have followed suit. There are also other resources available to help. Many drug companies and other organizations offer help for paying for necessary prescription medications. We’ve listed some of these resources below.

Remember, before accepting a new prescription from your doctor, ask to see if there is a comparable, less expensive alternative available for your condition. When you go to the pharmacy to fill the prescription, ask for a generic substitution if available. You may also want to do a little comparison shopping to see which pharmacy will offer you the best deal. Finally, check out some resources we have listed for you’re here.
 

Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D.