A survey done last year found Indian drugs (unregulated) costs 10% as much as their US equivalent. A survey I did last year of patient costs for different narcotics retail in Canada and in the US found Canadians pay 1/3 as much retail for both generics and name brands, the same name brands by the same manufacturers in the US. The pharmaceutical industry had an average 18% profit margin year over year for over a decade, which is 50% more than any other industry in the US. It is all about greed that is an exponent of using Nafta, signed by Bill Clinton and negotiated by Bush the First, to extend patent protection to obscene lengths, up to 21 years. Oxycontin received their patent in the mid 90s and began sales around 1996, has patent protection through around 2013 unless they are granted an extension. Congress, which has the authority to change the laws has done nothing through both Republican and Democratic congresses, to bring any relief to the American public. The uninsured (48million) and underinsured (high deductables or drugs not covered under the plan) continue to grow in number in the US requiring more and more out of pocket costs, therefore paying the full cost of non-discounted drugs. On the other hand, it is worth shopping around for drug costs. Recently, a particular formulation of hydrocodone (generic) was $149 at CVS, $109 at Walmart, and $69 at a mom and pop local pharmacy nearby. BTW, Canadian drug costs are NOT subsidized by the government according to the pharmacies there. The US pharmacy industry is fleecing the American public.
