this is one reason our health care system is doomed

[lovbyts]

i read all of the news websites, but found this to be crazy:$1000-a-pill hepatitis C drug jolts US health care system | Fox News

Thats far from the only one. The more life threatening the more expensive. I was doing research for a friend tonight who has a form of Anemia that is similar to leukemia, it effects the spleen, she needs frequent blood transfusions and more. There are people here in the US who are paying $5K - $8K a month for 15 pills a month and it takes at least 3 months to know if it's going to help. Luckily she is in the Philippines and her doctor is able to get the same medication for under $5 a pill.

Now explain to me why the big price difference??? Yeah it's sad that they can/will charge you so much because they know you will pay it if your life is at risk.

Now to her that is still a LOT of money and even though her husband makes decent money because he is a seaman it will put a significant dent in their finances especially since she just took on the roll of being a new momma because her sister brought over a newborn (literally born that day) 2 weeks ago that was dropped off at the hospital so thats an added expense.

She starts a 15 day trial tomorrow of the new medication to see if it will help or not. I already told her I will cover the first 3 months just trying to help a little. I am also the honorary godfather/Ninong of the new baby. I was told a few years ago when they got together I would be the godfather when they have one but due to circumstances (her illness) they have not had one. I am honored, they are good people. I did also buy the playpen and new stroller. That stuff is cheap over there. OK sorry got a little OT

[RaginCajun]

Thats far from the only one. The more life threatening the more expensive. I was doing research for a friend tonight who has a form of Anemia that is similar to leukemia, it effects the spleen, she needs frequent blood transfusions and more. There are people here in the US who are paying $5K - $8K a month for 15 pills a month and it takes at least 3 months to know if it's going to help. Luckily she is in the Philippines and her doctor is able to get the same medication for under $5 a pill. Now explain to me why the big price difference??? Yeah it's sad that they can/will charge you so much because they know you will pay it if your life is at risk.Now to her that is still a LOT of money and even though her husband makes decent money because he is a seaman it will put a significant dent in their finances especially since she just took on the roll of being a new momma because her sister brought over a newborn (literally born that day) 2 weeks ago that was dropped off at the hospital so thats an added expense.She starts a 15 day trial tomorrow of the new medication to see if it will help or not. I already told her I will cover the first 3 months just trying to help a little. I am also the honorary godfather/Ninong of the new baby. I was told a few years ago when they got together I would be the godfather when they have one but due to circumstances (her illness) they have not had one. I am honored, they are good people. I did also buy the playpen and new stroller. That stuff is cheap over there. OK sorry got a little OT

that is crazy! i wish the best for your friend, hope she gets some relief with the trial.

[lovbyts]

that is crazy! i wish the best for your friend, hope she gets some relief with the trial.

Thanks, me too. When she told me what she had I of course started doing a lot of research to see what she should take because at first the doctor just sort of gave her a death sentence of 6 months to a max of 2 years. That has since changed since I found several different medications that could possibly help although none are a real cure but they could help lead a mostly normal life possibly.

She actually started using EPO about 2 months ago due to my suggestion and literature I had her take the doctor. Hopefully it will keep her from having to have monthly transfusions and now her doctor is looking into other drugs that may help since she took him literature.

It sucks when bad things happen to good people but at least now there is a chance. I told her to get some extra EPO for me. lol

[RaginCajun]

Thanks, me too. When she told me what she had I of course started doing a lot of research to see what she should take because at first the doctor just sort of gave her a death sentence of 6 months to a max of 2 years. That has since changed since I found several different medications that could possibly help although none are a real cure but they could help lead a mostly normal life possibly.She actually started using EPO about 2 months ago due to my suggestion and literature I had her take the doctor. Hopefully it will keep her from having to have monthly transfusions and now her doctor is looking into other drugs that may help since she took him literature. It sucks when bad things happen to good people but at least now there is a chance. I told her to get some extra EPO for me. lol

yes, really sucks when bad things happen to good people. i could prob use some EPO as well! haha! best wishes to your friend bud

[Times Roman]

Thats far from the only one. The more life threatening the more expensive. I was doing research for a friend tonight who has a form of Anemia that is similar to leukemia, it effects the spleen, she needs frequent blood transfusions and more. There are people here in the US who are paying $5K - $8K a month for 15 pills a month and it takes at least 3 months to know if it's going to help. Luckily she is in the Philippines and her doctor is able to get the same medication for under $5 a pill.

Now explain to me why the big price difference??? Yeah it's sad that they can/will charge you so much because they know you will pay it if your life is at risk.

Now to her that is still a LOT of money and even though her husband makes decent money because he is a seaman it will put a significant dent in their finances especially since she just took on the roll of being a new momma because her sister brought over a newborn (literally born that day) 2 weeks ago that was dropped off at the hospital so thats an added expense.

She starts a 15 day trial tomorrow of the new medication to see if it will help or not. I already told her I will cover the first 3 months just trying to help a little. I am also the honorary godfather/Ninong of the new baby. I was told a few years ago when they got together I would be the godfather when they have one but due to circumstances (her illness) they have not had one. I am honored, they are good people. I did also buy the playpen and new stroller. That stuff is cheap over there. OK sorry got a little OT

it's not the cost of the pill you are paying for. It's for the years of effort and billions of $$ spent in R&D costs that need to be paid for...

...some one in the phillipines can figure out the chemical compound, rip off the patent licenses, and produce it for cents on the dollar.

...but the rip off artist in the phillipines would NEVER have been able to rip it off had not the Pharm industry invested the capital necessary to develop the drug.