Hot Stove Lid

Here’s a quiz. Got pencil?

1. Since 1999, what was the average manufacturer’s price increase for widely used brand name drugs? a. 15%, b. 28%, c. 49%, d. 62%.
2. How many prescription drugs does a typical senior take? a. One, b. Two, c. Three, d. Four.
3. What was the price of the average brand name drug in 2006? a. $41, b. $61, c. $81, d. $111.
4. What was the price of the average generic drug in 2006? a. $7, b. 17, c. 27, d. $32.

AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons sent me this quiz, along with petitions for me to send to my U.S. Senators and Congressperson, and a request for a donation to help “continue the fight for affordable health care for EVERYONE.” Here are the answers to the quiz: 1. Since 1999, the average manufacturer’s price increase for widely used brand name drugs has been 49%. 2. The number of prescriptions taken by a typical senior is four. (At last, I am typical at something.) The price of the average brand name drug in 2006 was $111. The price of the average generic drug in 2006 was $32.

For those who look for comfort from the marketplace, not the government, to dictate healthcare, Wal-Mart offers over 360 generic drugs for only $4 per 30-day prescription. AARP did not send me this information. At Publix grocery stores, you can fill prescriptions for a list of common antibiotics FREE, including Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, Ciprofloxacin, Penicillin VK, Ampicillin and Erythromycin. Guess where I’m going to do more shopping.

In a debate at Dartmouth College recently, all eight Democratic candidates for President spoke on health care. Sen. Clinton said that as President, she would make healthcare reform a priority. Sen. Edwards said he would eliminate health insurance for lawmakers if they did not pass healthy care reform. Sen. Obama criticized Sen. Clinton for her failure to enact health care reform in 1993, because she “closed the door to a lot of potential allies.” He said, “At that time 80 percent of Americans already wanted universal health care, but they didn’t feel like they were let into the process.” Sen. Biden said that Hillary Clinton might have trouble enacting healthcare reform because of her previous attempt.

Meanwhile, Vote-USA sent the candidates questionnaires on healthcare, including prescription drugs. They asked for a general position statement and specifics on issues such as importing prescriptions, medicare drug benefits for seniors, negotiating prescription prices, and bringing generics to market sooner. Sen. Obama answered, “Pharmaceutical companies are selling the exact same drugs in Europe and Canada but charging Americans more than double the price.” Sen. Clinton offered no response to any of these questions. Having sat on the hot stove lid before, maybe she will never sit on another one again, nor even sit on a cold one either. (Daily honor and praise be to Mark Twain.) Sen. Clinton can say or not say anything she likes about healthcare. Everybody is going to believe they already know what she thinks and what she will do. I hope everybody is right.

(Originally posted 10-12-07)

Copyright 2007 by William C. Cotter

Warning: Read At Your Own Risk

I have prescriptions for several drugs common for those of us who would have taken better care of ourselves if we had known we were going to live this long.

Many prescription drugs are advertised on television. I do not know why. You can’t just take a shopping list to the pharmacy. This is the United States of America. Also, your doctor might have a thought of his own. It’s not like nagging your mommy till she gets you the damned Count Chocculas.

On television, they show you how much fun you are going to be able to have if you take the medications they are selling. The actors in these ads don’t look a bit in need of any medications. If you looked like those actors and did all the things they are doing, you wouldn’t need any medications either. Then come the warnings about side effects.

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery. I never operated heavy machinery in my life. I don’t think I’ll start now. You may experience weakness, nausea, dizziness, headaches, swelling of the lips, etc. Many medications warn against taking them at the same time as other medications or list negative side effects worse than the reason for taking either medication.

I thought maybe I should do some research about medical symptoms and side effects of prescription drugs. Here is some of what I have discovered:

--For Insomnia. Medications should not be taken with alcohol. Some people using insomnia medications have engaged in such activities as driving, eating, or making phone calls but later have no memory of the activity. Do not take this or any other medication if your name is Kennedy.

--For Restless Leg Syndrome. Increased urges, including sex, gambling and other compulsive behavior. One guy painted his entire house before his doctor was able to adjust his medication.

--For Breaking Smoking Addiction. Years ago, I smoked three packs of cigarettes a day. I got a prescription for nicotine chewing gum. I quit smoking but was up to three packs of nicotine gum a day. Warning: nicotine gum can cause flatulence. People will offer you cigarettes.

--For Pain Pills. Highly habit forming. Serious withdrawal difficulty. ADITIONAL SIDE EFFECTS: may become insufferable blowhard. Look forward to a possible career as a radio talk show host.

--For Male Sexual Dysfunction. “The Weekend Pill.” Possible side effects include erections lasting more than four hours. Now just a minute there, Pal. Is this really a negative side effect or just some Madison Ave. jokester pulling my restless leg?

WARNING: Research of medical symptoms or negative side effects of prescription drugs may lead to the belief that you have experience them all.

Copyright 2007 by William C. Cotter