Consumerist

Americans spent more than $9 billion on the cholesterol drug Lipitor in 2004—more than any other drug, according to government estimates released today. "Cholesterol drugs in general raked in the most money for their makers," followed by...

5:48 PM on Wed Sep 12 2007, by Chris Walters, 443 views, Comment

Dem Gains Make Big Pharma Queasy

In other news, Democratic control of Congress cured our dyspepsia. — BEN POPKEN

9:15 AM on Thu Nov 9 2006, by Ben Popken, 34 views, Comment

Senate Proposal To Allow Generic Versions Of Biotech Drugs After 12 Years

A Senate proposal would strip biotech drugs of their patent-protected status after twelve years, opening the door to competition from generic drug makers. Patent protection determines how long obnoxious pharmaceutical CEOs can spend outside their...

2:40 PM on Mon Jun 25 2007, by Carey, 700 views, Comment

The Battle Of The Biggest Killer: Prescription Drugs V. Illegal Drugs

So, Florida is apparently plagued by addicted prescription-poppers and not the pot-addled deviants targeted by our government's so-called "War on Drugs." A new report shows that prescription drugs killed three-times more Floridians than illegal...

12:40 PM on Sat Jun 14 2008, by Carey, 4,796 views, Comment

Consumer Reports: Older Drugs Better For Those With Type-2 Diabetes

Consumer Reports says that older, not newer, drugs are better for those with Type-2 diabetes. New, heavily advertised drugs such as "Avandia and Actos" are more expensive but not more effective. Older drugs are also as safe "if not safer" than the...

12:21 PM on Wed Jul 18 2007, by Meg Marco, 1,222 views, Comment

Why, Oh Why, Are My Pill Bills So High?

Unsurprisingly, it's because of drug companies. But Consumerist, you ask, why would drug companies try to keep the prices of drugs artificially high? And how would they do it?

5:01 PM on Thu Oct 26 2006, by Meg Marco, 1,510 views, Comment

Doctors Who Have "Close Relationships" With Drug Makers Prescribe Newer, Pricier Drugs

The New York Times is examining doctors who take money from drug companies for 'educational' speaking engagements in which they lecture other doctors about the company's drugs. The NYT says research shows that "doctors who have close relationships...

7:21 PM on Wed Mar 21 2007, by Meg Marco, 949 views, Comment

Target Offers $4 Drugs At All Pharmacies

Target is set to begin offering its $4 generic drug program at all of its 1,287 pharmacies. Previously, Target only offered the program in markets where Walmart was offering their $4 program. No longer. From Reuters:

10:17 AM on Wed Nov 22 2006, by Meg Marco, 304 views, Comment

Lawsuit: Walgreens Substituted Chemo Drug For Prenatal Vitamins

A woman who suffered a miscarriage after taking chemo drugs that were supposed to be prenatal vitamins is suing Walgreens, according to the Chicago Tribune.

5:19 PM on Fri Oct 19 2007, by Meg Marco, 34,475 views, Comment

Longs Drug Employee Roleplays Crazy Customer Experience

This is a dramatic reenactment of one pharmacy worker's experience with an irate customer. She uses a Cinderella Pez dispenser and a Crash Test Dummy.

9:48 AM on Fri Nov 3 2006, by Ben Popken, 424 views, Comment