prescription prices

[MommyBird]

I just need someplace to complain.
Will, my elderly BCC, is on digoxin. The price for his prescription was $45 back in 2014 and 2015, went up to $54 in 2016 and Feb 2017.
I just went to pick up his refill at the pharmacy and it was $158.00.
I think a 300% increase is criminal. I'm sure 299% of it is pure profit for the drug company.
Luckily his dosage is very small so it lasts a long time. For larger animals and humans it would really break the bank.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

Sorry but I don't know who to complain to. It's a Monopoly and it should be criminal.

Have you tried seeing if you could use a Good RX or one of those other discount cards? Or ask if there is a generic available?

 

[EllaMay]

What pharmacy is charging you that price? I find that adnormal of a price increase.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Wow..that's a huge increase. Did they switch the manufacturer, switch from generic brand or??? Do you live near a Costco? If so, check out their prices. That's where I get my Bichon's meds and also Scully's allopurinol tablets which I compound.

 

[MommyBird]

My Vet calls it in to my King Sooper's (Grocery) pharmacy.
It is the same manufacturer and packaging as I've always gotten, and it is also the generic.
I looked on GoodRx and they only seem to offer the pills, not the liquid. I need to look more, the pharmacist said they would accept GoodRx.
I've called CVS and Walgreens and might be able to get it for $20 less but that is hardly significant.
I'm afraid that's the price.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Sometimes Costco will special order medications for you.

 

[MommyBird]

Sometimes Costco will special order medications for you.

A costco is quite a good drive away so I would never shop there. besides, it's just me so I don't buy in bulk like they sell.
it is not a cost savings to pay $75 for a membership, I doubt I'd save that much on one purchase.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

It's very unfortunate and maddening. My dad's prescription went up like triple a while back too. I hope you can find a way to lower the cost significantly

 

[WendyN]

Could you ask the pharmacist why the big price hike? Any chance they made a mistake?
Probably not ... But I had to ask anyway.
I hope you can find a more reasonable source for next time.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

Generic Drug Prices Are Skyrocketing - The People's Pharmacy

Until they crack down on this practice, maybe you can look into buying through a Canadian pharmacy online?

 

[MommyBird]

@CrazyBirdChick I tried to google about the price increase and that was basically what I found.
Digitalis was mentioned specifically as something that increased in price just because they could.
It's quite a racket they have going.

 

[MiniMacaw]

I’m sorry you’re facing this crazy price increase. When my dad was still alive he was recovering from cancer and had horrible diabetes and he would pick every payday which meds to get and which he could do without. I found this out too late to help but I was furious with the drug companies when I found out. It would have taken his entire pension check to afford the meds he truly needed

 

[MommyBird]

@MiniMacaw Thank-you
I'm sorry you and your dad went thru that. I know I'm luckier than many, but still .....it is outrageous how things are.
We had great health insurance when my husband had his terminal cancer. I know of many widows who have been left devastated by the bills.
I am now retired and worry about what prices of everything will do to a fixed income.

 

[Lady Jane]

Someone is making huge amounts of money on Rx's for the average person. I get my two expensive ones directly from Merk and Phizer for free. You must qualify each year and prove your income is less than $35K per year. The larger pharmaceutical companies have customer assistance programs.