Canadian Health Care Consumers Targeted by US Drug Companies: Uncovering Artificial Shortages of Lifesaving Medications

Strategic Insights -

Canadian health care consumers are facing difficulties in obtaining prescription medications due to supply cutbacks by US drug companies aimed at discouraging Americans from buying lower-priced Canadian drugs. Results for America, a nonprofit organization, has launched a "Canadian Drug Savings Calculator" to help consumers calculate potential savings on prescription medications. The calculator reveals that US consumers could save over $32 million in possible savings on prescription medications.

Key Takeaways:

  • Results for America has collected over $32 million in possible savings on prescription medications through its "Canadian Drug Savings Calculator".
  • The calculator allows consumers to gauge savings on nearly 50 of the most popular prescription medications by picking multiple drugs, different dosage settings, and time horizons ranging from one month to 20 years.
  • US consumers could save up to $10,483.20 over 20 years on the osteoarthritis pain relief medication Vioxx.
  • A person taking Lipitor for high cholesterol could save up to $6,770.40 over 20 years.
  • A US victim of acid reflux taking Prevacid on a daily basis could save up to $12,812.80 over 20 years in Canada.
  • Results for America is not involved in the health care industry or recent lobbying on Medicare reform.
  • Canadian consumers who find that they cannot fill their prescriptions due to sudden shortages of key medications are encouraged to report instances at http://www.resultsforamerica.org/health/medmail.php.

Statistics:

  • $32 million: the possible savings on prescription medications calculated through the "Canadian Drug Savings Calculator".
  • 20 years: the time horizon for calculating savings on prescription medications using the calculator.
  • $10,483.20: the possible savings over 20 years on the osteoarthritis pain relief medication Vioxx.
  • $6,770.40: the possible savings over 20 years on the high cholesterol medication Lipitor.
  • $12,812.80: the possible savings over 20 years on the acid reflux medication Prevacid.
  • 50: the number of popular prescription medications on which savings can be calculated using the "Canadian Drug Savings Calculator".

Sources:

  • "Canadian Drug Savings Calculator" (Results for America website, http://www.drugsavingscalculator.org/)
  • PRNewswire, April 12 (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/articleprintpage/PRCB/20040304/PRCB096.html)