A medicine maze

Article Abstract:

Escalating prescription-drug costs were a hot issue for the year 2004's presidential race, as more Americans, particularly senior citizens older than 65 who had no prescription drug insurance stated that they had trouble paying for their medicines. It is reported that the flow of money and interactions among the pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit mangers physicians and consumers acted as a maze, where the true costs were a part of confidential contracts.

Commodity & service prices, Drugs, Prices and rates, Influence, Politics, Prescriptions (Drugs), Company pricing policy

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U.S. files complaint against Medco

Article Abstract:

The US Justice Department filed a civil complaint seeking unspecified monetary damages and a permanent injunction against Medco Health Solutions Inc., one of the United States largest pharmacy-benefits managers. Medco is accused of defrauding clients and increasing prescription costs for the federal government by canceling or destroying patients' prescriptions and often falsifying the prescription date.

United States. Department of Justice, Powers and duties, MHS, Medco Health Solutions Inc.

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Merck defends actions on Vioxx

Article Abstract:

Merck and Company Inc. went on defensive about its arthritis pain drug Vioxx and gave a time line for what the company knew about the medicine's risk regarding cardiovascular problems. A news conference was called up in New York by Merck senior executives to dispute allegations that the company knew four years ago that Vioxx might increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

New York, Cardiovascular diseases, Risk factors, Vioxx (Medication), Merck & Company Inc.

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