Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8107

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Mehl B.
Pharmaceutical trends: overview of factors responsible for increasing pharmaceutical expenditures
ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting 1999 Dec; 34:

Abstract:

Past and current status of factors affecting drug cost are described as well as an overview of new drugs and the drug pipelines of major pharmaceutical companies. The effect of wholesaler mergers is discussed, along with major legislation such as the modernization act 1997, and their effect upon drug prescribing is reviewed. The introduction of new technology and the effect of generic drug prescribing and pricing are presented. New legislation, pending or approved, e.g. Medicare, and what could be expected in the future is summarized. Learning objectives: 1. Identify the various factors affecting the cost of prescription drugs. 2. Describe the important sources of information for new drug therapy. 3. Given information, review how it would be used for budgeting purposes. Self-assessment questions: True or False: 1. New drug pipelines would not have any influence on drug cost. 2. The Modernization Fee Act of 1997 had little affect on the manner in which drugs are advertised. 3. Generic drugs have always had a positive effect on moderating total drug costs. Answers: 1. F; 2. F; 3. F.