The need for the cost of medicine to go down

The rise in the cost of medicine is a pain that's felt by most people except pharmaceutical companies. Even with top government leaders promising a drop in the cost of medicine, the prices only go higher and higher, with consumers sinking in deeper and deeper healthcare debt. Margaret L. Salmon.

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Drug manufacturers rarely take the blame for the price hike. Instead, they point it out to the list price, or the amount usually reduced by additional payments to middlemen like pharmacies, which only benefit officials and health insurance companies. Patients are no strangers to this practice. The increase hit their wallets as their insurance deductibles reset every beginning of the year, which would require them to pay for their medicine straight out of their pockets. Margaret L. Salmon.

One would think that the answer to the problem is generic medicine. However, manufacturers of generic drugs don't help the case. In 2015, a recall for 257 generic drug products was made as they were either hard to dissolve, outright fake, or contaminated. Pharmaceutical firms utilize strategies that help them monopolize the industry. Before seeing a drop in the cost of medicine, government and business leaders must first develop policies that prevent pharmaceutical companies from becoming monopolies. Margaret L. Salmon.

Leaders must put a stop to restrictive distribution programs for generic drug manufacturers to conduct bioequivalence studies on sample medications. Pay-for-delay agreements should not be entertained and must be eliminated to enable generic competition to develop drug products for less. Margaret L. Salmon.

Here’s what skipping medication can do to the body

Everydayhealth.com 

Margaret L. Salmon. Millions of Americans take prescribed maintenance medication, usually for pain relief and to prevent common diseases. However, the rising costs of medication has led patients to split their medicines or to skip it altogether. What can the skipping of doses do to the body?

Not taking medicines as prescribed can be more harmful to the body. For chronic diseases such as Type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and others, not taking medication at the right time can affect the proper functioning of the organs. For anti-allergy and respiratory treatments, following the schedule is important to prevent symptoms such as blocked airways. Those who are taking pain-relief medication for chronic pain, missing the required dose can cause physical discomfort and hinder them from going about their usual routine. Making a habit out of missing maintenance medications can lead to complications. Margaret L. Salmon.

Everydayhealth.com 

Other medications, when not taken later might not be as effective when taken at the suggested time, such as in arthritis medications. When it comes to antibiotics, not following the schedule might delay the healing process. Each medication has a different effect on the body. While some medicines can be skipped and taken the next time, there are medicines patients should take as soon as they realize their mistake. To avoid missing doses, experts suggest taking these meds at the same time each day. Margaret L. Salmon.

Doctors and pharmacists suggest that patients inquire about their prescription. Studies show that the majority of patients do not know what they're supposed to do when they skip medication. Not following the schedule can have negative effects on the body or slow down treatment. With the rising prices of medicines and other concerns, people shouldn't hesitate to ask a healthcare provider about possible alternatives that will allow them to get the required dosage for a more affordable price. Margaret L. Salmon.