Cost Of Prescription Drugs Uk V Us

[barry1010]

I know we are lucky to get our prescriptions on the NHS but I can't understand why the prevantative inhaler I am prescribed for asthma costs the NHS £30 a month but American citizens are paying around $500 a month.

Can anyone explain?

[davebro3]

lots of reasons on the net - e.g.

//In the United States, negotiations with drug makers are split among tens of thousands of health plans, resulting in far less bargaining muscle for the buyers.//

[barry1010]

Thanks, dave, but that is a ridiculous mark up.  I'm reading that so many Americans can't afford it - and I'm not surprised

[davebro3]

In The Simpsons Homer, Grampa & buddies do a "drugs run" into Canada to buy cheaper prescription drugs. So it's obviously a matter of concern to US citizens.

And the film "Dallas Buyer's Club" focussed on the (non) availability of some drugs in the USA (at the time).

[davebro3]

Maybe the drug manufacurers have as strong a lobby in the US congress as the National Rifle Association?

[Peter Pedant]

intercontintental prescribing hmmm

the markets will bear it?

NHS does communal bargaining which SHOuLD save monnay - but didnt a few years ago

Yesterday they had a bit on health schemes in US and how the insurance schemes were driving prices UP!