| According to recent research, nearly nine out of | | | | stated that more than 70 brand name drugs, |
| 10 clients decide to substitute common brand | | | | including 19 blockbusters, are losing their patent |
| name drugs by their generic versions within a few | | | | protection within the next five years - with total |
| weeks of when these cheapest drugs become | | | | yearly sales of $45 billion. If Medco's study reveals |
| obtainable. The researchers analyzed four drugs: | | | | a long-term trend, in the coming years |
| Allegra, Arava, Amaryl and Zithromax. In the | | | | consumers, employers and insurance companies |
| second half of 2005, each of these drugs run out | | | | will save billions of dollars in prescription drug - |
| of patent protection. Their generic equivalents | | | | Smith said. The data met with enthusiastic |
| were bought instead at an average factor of 87 | | | | reaction from consumer groups. "We hope the |
| percent within 30 days of the equivalent's delivery | | | | trend continues. It's good for consumers," |
| at pharmacies. The research was organized by | | | | confessed Bill Vaughan, senior policy analyst for an |
| Medco Health Solutions Inc. based in Frankin Lakes, | | | | advocacy group, Consumer Union, based in |
| which is the biggest drug benefit management | | | | Washington, D.C. Vaughan mentioned that past |
| company in U.S. The company bargains for low | | | | fears concerning the effectiveness and safety of |
| prices of prescription drug on behalf of its | | | | generic drugs have apparently started to fade |
| customers. According to the study, Zithromax, | | | | away as society has become more concerned |
| the blockbuster of Pfizer Inc. with its annual sales | | | | about rapid increase of health-care costs. "The |
| of $1.85 billion was rapidly substituted at | | | | FDA approves these generic drugs because they |
| pharmacies by generic equivalent at a 90 percent | | | | have been determined just as safe and effective |
| rate just after it lost its patent protection in | | | | as their brand name counterparts, but you pay a |
| November. The study authors mentioned the | | | | fraction of the price," Vaughan stated. "We think |
| substitution of Zithromax, an antibiotic for | | | | this is very positive and can save consumers |
| respiratory infections, as evidence that more and | | | | literally billions of dollars in the next few years." At |
| more doctors prescribe generic versions of brand | | | | the same time, large pharmaceutical companies |
| name drugs more easily, even if it is about | | | | have claimed that their brand name drugs will not |
| so-called acute care drugs, such as Zithromax. | | | | be substituted by knockoffs as insurers and |
| "The really good news is that these four generic | | | | doctors realize that the brand name drugs |
| medications are just the start. With a number of | | | | guarantee better care and in consequence - save |
| popular medications expected to move off patent | | | | money. Hank McKinnell, Pfizer Chairman used that |
| in the next several years, we should see | | | | argument during last session with analysts in New |
| substantial prescription drug costs savings" - | | | | York. "If you don't like the high cost of health |
| stated a Medco senior vice president, Dr. Glen | | | | care, try the high cost of sickness," McKinnell |
| Stettin. A spokeswoman at Medco, Ann Smith | | | | advised. |