Coupons Are Hiding True Price Of Drugs From Patients, Doctors
A recent study found that spending on 23 medicines sold through coupons was as much as $2.7 billion higher over five years than it would have been if the coupons were not used.
Los Angeles Times:
How Free Coupons For Patients Help Drugmakers Hike Prices By 1,000%
Horizon Pharma charges more than $2,000 for a month’s supply of a prescription pain reliever that is the combination of two cheap drugs available separately over the counter. Another company, Novum, sells a small tube of a prescription skin rash cream, containing two inexpensive decades-old medicines, for nearly $8,000. What is key to the companies’ business plan of raising prices by 1,000% or more? (Petersen, 12/5)