This is different info for the blog but I know many individuals who are getting pummelled by medication prices so when Kate sent me this, I wanted to make sure to get this posted for you. Very sobering information on the WIDE variability in pricing for generic drugs.
According to Truth or Fiction:
The Mark-up by Some Local Pharmacies on Generic Drugs is Steep-Truth!
A television reporter in Detroit investigated the costs of generic drugs. He accused some pharmacies of price-gouging, with mark ups of as much at 3,000 percent. Generic drugs cost less than name brands of the same medications, but the reporter says the lower price may still represent a high mark-up. He also found that Costco prices were consistently more reasonable.
Snopes concurs and provided a link to this Generic Prescription Drug Price Comparison Chart. This chart accompanies Steve Wilson's 7 On Your Side investigation.
Here is a list of Costco locations by State AND they have a membership plan for those who don’t have any drug insurance coverage.
I became frustrated by the high cost of psychiatric medications and other and spent hundreds of hours researching pharmacies. I created the website below dedicated to my patients, with any profits going toward purchasing medications for patients who are broke and not eligible for programs. I use all PharmacyChecker pharmacies and take you to the specific pharmacy for that medication. Here are a few examples:
Ambien from US Generics (legit pharmacy in Michigan started ey 2 pharmacists who were tired of ripping the public off. The cost of 90 10 mg is 39.05 and that includes postage. Generic versions of name brands such as zyprexa and abilify and seroquel sell for as high as 95 percent off. They are manufactured by huge Pharmaceutical companies from India who make many generics you currently purchase. Keep in mind that importation of a ninety day supply is against the law, but the medications are usually let through. Worse case scenerio, you get a refund or they reship. Please excuse any commercial sound of this message, keeping in mind it is entirely philantrophic. Abilify 30 mg is 33 and change, compared to over 600 at walgreens. I hope this helps someone.
Posted by: Bill | August 25, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Bill, thank you for this information. I just went to check out the site and it does look like an excellent resource for people. I appreciate your sharing the information with us.
Posted by: Laura Young | August 28, 2008 at 04:38 PM
For generics meds you can't compete with India...if you deal with the proper suppliers you will get the real deal at a fraction of a cost..:)
Posted by: Marco Ginnelli | December 27, 2008 at 05:14 PM
What really gets my goat is these new drugs where they put two generics together and then charge an arm and a leg for it! I’ve seen ads on TV for Caduet. It has two ingredients. One is Amlodipine and the other is Atorvastatin. With my RxDrugCard I can get 30 tablets of Amlodipine for $9 and 30 tablets of Simvastatin for $9. I’ll bet they are charging more than $18 for this! The unthinking public is going to pressure their doctors into giving them something just because it’s new, when something old or generic would do the job for cheaper.
Posted by: Inez | June 30, 2009 at 04:36 PM