Critics See Problems With Illinois Governor's Prescription Drug Idea

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGABTTE7NKD.html

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to explore buying state employees' prescription drugs in Canada was met with opposition Monday as critics said such a move would be illegal and harmful to patients and businesses alike.

"It's not a long-term solution," said Michael Polzin, a spokesman for Illinois-based drugstore chain Walgreen Co. "I think the efforts would be better put toward finding a permanent solution rather than a quick fix that is illegal."

Americans seeking relief from high prescription drug prices have increasingly turned to pharmacies in Canada, where prescription drugs are much cheaper because of a favorable exchange rate and government controls.

But federal law bars consumers from bringing foreign drugs into the United States, and the Food and Drug Administration warns that buying Canadian drugs presents "significant, potential health risks."

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[Old and In the Way]

1. There is a fix.

It's just that the Republicans won't consider a single payer system because they get too much money from the Phrama industry.

[xray s]

2. There is a permanent soution

Control prices like Canada does.

BTW, how many drugs sold in the US are manufactured by drug companies outside the US? Good question, don't you think?

[BiggJawn]

3. I take one made in JAPAN!

How safe is THAT? I mean, the FDA and the DI (Drug Industry) is telling us that "Furrin' meds is PISIN!" and that we're only safe if we pay $6 for what we can buy in Canada for $2.75, and here I am eating Japanese pills that cost $2.89 EACH!


"How Long?"
"Don't know."
"Don't know? It's YOUR tank, isn't it?"
"Hey, Baby, I just ride 'em, I don't know what makes 'em go..."

I loved that movie...

[madrchsod]

4. the difference

between the usa and canada is that the drug manufacters can`t make huge profits there. the same drug in canada makes a smaller profit than the same drug in the usa .

[davsand]

5. The sky is falling! The sky is falling!

No real shock to this one. The Pharma industry and certain lawmakers (read as GOP) have been saying the Canadian drugs are not as "safe" as those made in the USA. I wonder about two things here:

Do you suppose the Candians buy into the idea that the drugs are not as safe? I seriously doubt it, but that particular straw man has been around forever and has been used to death.

How much pressure will it place on the Pharma industry if the State of Illinois decides to buy from Canada? Gee, if a state does it to save money, I'd bet it'd make the US drug companies look pretty tacky for sellling the exact same drugs for about ten times the price.

Look for this one to generate a huge shitstorm. The fact that it is even in the news means it has been pointed out AGAIN that the US drug companies are raping the consumers...

This may be one of Blag's best moves yet.

Laura

[disgruntella]

6. "significant, potential health risks"

Also come from not being afford to take the prescription drugs one's life depends on. F-ing morons.

I take meds for a chronic condition but I just switched carriers, so when I got my refill the last time the insurance didn't go through. The bill for a month's supply was just shy of my monthly RENT. (I do live in Montana, but still, it ain't a one-room shack! ;)) I cannot imagine the nightmare for elderly people who need 3 or 4 such drugs.

:mad::mad::mad: