topic Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N in Community Chat

“For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” NY TI

LTT1 — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 15:50:36 GMT

New York Times article

For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis”

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

hckynut — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 15:55:34 GMT

Anything that helps decrease the loss of human life each year in the United States should be hailed. I have heard upwards of 70,000 died last year of Opiod Overdoses. This might help, but getting to the bigger distributors, is a must.

hckynut

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

SilleeMee — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:15:13 GMT

That's a good step in the right direction.

My hope is to see harm reduction approach taken towards resolving our addiction crisis. Harm reduction approach works and Denmark, where it is heavily administered, is proof that it does work.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

wonderfulworld — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 17:24:26 GMT

This is off topic I know but I have a big concern. Recently my blood pressure medicine ( generic)was recalled because it is made in China and it was found to have serious cancer causing chemicals mixed in. Now the one that was substituted for it is under voluntary recall. These are a class called Angiotension 2 blockers, paired with a diuretic. Generics...very inexpensive.

I have been taking these generics for 15 years. My question is this: if on medicare can the physician write it as no generic? I think I can probably find out if the original formulation is manufactured in the US. I will pay whatever it costs for untainted medication.

Can anyone speak to this issue? How real is the risk of contracting cancer from these pills. The pharmacist couldn't say...just return my unused pills and get a refund.

I already see the attorney ads about people who have taken these blood pressure pills and have pancreatic or other cancers calling them.

Thank you to anyone who can speak to this troubling issue.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

Trinity11 — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 18:16:20 GMT

@wonderfulworld wrote:
This is off topic I know but I have a big concern. Recently my blood pressure medicine ( generic)was recalled because it is made in China and it was found to have serious cancer causing chemicals mixed in. Now the one that was substituted for it is under voluntary recall. These are a class called Angiotension 2 blockers, paired with a diuretic. Generics...very inexpensive.

I have been taking these generics for 15 years. My question is this: if on medicare can the physician write it as no generic? I think I can probably find out if the original formulation is manufactured in the US. I will pay whatever it costs for untainted medication.

Can anyone speak to this issue? How real is the risk of contracting cancer from these pills. The pharmacist couldn't say...just return my unused pills and get a refund.
I already see the attorney ads about people who have taken these blood pressure pills and have pancreatic or other cancers calling them.

Thank you to anyone who can speak to this troubling issue.

@wonderfulworld Yes, I have the same problem. Yes, your physician can write a brand prescription but I highly doubt your insurer will pay for it. I won't risk cancer and just substituted another drug.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

meem120 — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 18:45:31 GMT

Insurance companies will usually only pay for generic medications. Exception iswhen there is no generic available. Your Dr can write on the prescription BRAND ONLY, DO NOT SUBSTITUTE or send the same directions electronically. However, you will have to pay the brand prices.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

proudlyfromNJ — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 18:53:41 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@wonderfulworld wrote:
This is off topic I know but I have a big concern. Recently my blood pressure medicine ( generic)was recalled because it is made in China and it was found to have serious cancer causing chemicals mixed in. Now the one that was substituted for it is under voluntary recall. These are a class called Angiotension 2 blockers, paired with a diuretic. Generics...very inexpensive.

I have been taking these generics for 15 years. My question is this: if on medicare can the physician write it as no generic? I think I can probably find out if the original formulation is manufactured in the US. I will pay whatever it costs for untainted medication.

Can anyone speak to this issue? How real is the risk of contracting cancer from these pills. The pharmacist couldn't say...just return my unused pills and get a refund.
I already see the attorney ads about people who have taken these blood pressure pills and have pancreatic or other cancers calling them.

Thank you to anyone who can speak to this troubling issue.
@wonderfulworld Yes, I have the same problem. Yes, your physician can write a brand prescription but I highly doubt your insurer will pay for it. I won't risk cancer and just substituted another drug.

@wonderfulworld @Trinity11 . My Dr. called my insurance company and told them I needed the regular blood pressure pills not the generic as the generic caused side effects. They said no.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

chrystaltree — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 18:57:15 GMT

I don't think it will have much effect, it might even make the situation worse. Most addicts started as recreational drug users. Some started by making a choice to abuse and misues their prescribed pain medications, it was consious choice. They pharmaceutical companies realized that America loves to get high and that there was a huge market for certain drugs and they turned a blind eye to the massive number of scripts that doctors who also wanted to hop on that $$ gravey train were writing. Pharmacies own a piece of this too. If the market wasn't there, the business of recreational drugs wouldn't exist. I am far from naive. If they reign the pharmaceutical companies/physicians/pharmacists in and the supply dries up. Criminal sources will step into the void because the market drugs isn't going away.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

Spurt — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:35:50 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
I don't think it will have much effect, it might even make the situation worse. Most addicts started as recreational drug users. Some started by making a choice to abuse and misues their prescribed pain medications, it was consious choice. They pharmaceutical companies realized that America loves to get high and that there was a huge market for certain drugs and they turned a blind eye to the massive number of scripts that doctors who also wanted to hop on that $$ gravey train were writing. Pharmacies own a piece of this too. If the market wasn't there, the business of recreational drugs wouldn't exist. I am far from naive. If they reign the pharmaceutical companies/physicians/pharmacists in and the supply dries up. Criminal sources will step into the void because the market drugs isn't going away.

@chrystaltree

Cant discuss it here...but when this issue first surfaced many years ago the Pharmy had some "partners" that made it go away (but not for long because now its grown into an enormous crisis)...just follow the money....$$$$

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

sidsmom — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:52:27 GMT

People will say ‘I will pay whatever it costs’ to imply

they will do anything to have safe medication.

What if I told you....you don’t need medication.

Cost is...free.

Change your diet so you don’t need blood pressure medication.

Will you be so apt to do ‘anything?’

When the answer is right there for the taking?

Probably not.

People want to take a pill because it’s too inconvenient to fix it naturally.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

wonderfulworld — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 21:06:55 GMT

@proudlyfromNJ wrote:
@Trinity11 wrote:
@wonderfulworld wrote:
This is off topic I know but I have a big concern. Recently my blood pressure medicine ( generic)was recalled because it is made in China and it was found to have serious cancer causing chemicals mixed in. Now the one that was substituted for it is under voluntary recall. These are a class called Angiotension 2 blockers, paired with a diuretic. Generics...very inexpensive.

I have been taking these generics for 15 years. My question is this: if on medicare can the physician write it as no generic? I think I can probably find out if the original formulation is manufactured in the US. I will pay whatever it costs for untainted medication.

Can anyone speak to this issue? How real is the risk of contracting cancer from these pills. The pharmacist couldn't say...just return my unused pills and get a refund.
I already see the attorney ads about people who have taken these blood pressure pills and have pancreatic or other cancers calling them.

Thank you to anyone who can speak to this troubling issue.
@wonderfulworld Yes, I have the same problem. Yes, your physician can write a brand prescription but I highly doubt your insurer will pay for it. I won't risk cancer and just substituted another drug.
@wonderfulworld @Trinity11 . My Dr. called my insurance company and told them I needed the regular blood pressure pills not the generic as the generic caused side effects. They said no.

Thank you all for your replies. The substitute (same class of drug, different name) is made in China too. And under voluntary recall. Same contamination problems. If I can find it made in the US I might say...don't run it through the Insurance company...I will just pay cash?

Can you do that? I am going to do some research.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

Cakers3 — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 21:07:38 GMT

Food isn't free. LOL

It is illogical to say that diet will cure everything.

We are all going to die someday. Nobody leaves this planet alive. NOBODY I don't care how many plants you chew.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

wonderfulworld — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 21:07:53 GMT

@meem120 wrote:
Insurance companies will usually only pay for generic medications. Exception iswhen there is no generic available. Your Dr can write on the prescription BRAND ONLY, DO NOT SUBSTITUTE or send the same directions electronically. However, you will have to pay the brand prices.

I think that is what I will do if I can find it made in the US. Thank you!

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

sidsmom — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:00:46 GMT

@Cakers3 wrote:
Food isn't free. LOL

It is illogical to say that diet will cure everything.

We are all going to die someday. Nobody leaves this planet alive. NOBODY I don't care how many plants you chew.

Knowledge is free.

People are complaining about their aches & pains from minor to severe

but they don’t want to do the actions to fix what they can.

Just wanna pop a pill.

Cure everything? Didn’t say that...surprised that wasn’t caught

but my words offer hope...unlike many. Saying you still have

control can be very empowering rather than ‘we’re all going to die someday.’

Don’t ever want to be a Debbie Downer like that.

You still have control. Repeat....you STILL have control

and something like nutrition can be a start.

Stunning people don’t see the connection between nutrition & health.

Those who throw their hands up & ‘we’re all gonna die someday’

are just part of the problem.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

suzyQ3 — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:12:11 GMT

One sad result of this push against opiods is the increasing number of people whose chronic pain is unbearable 24/7 and who now find it very difficult to get their prescriptions.

Oh, another tangent: I eat well and try to live well, but I have no illusions about not needing meds both now and in the future. To say that it's all about healthy living is to insinuate that the blame for illness or medical conditions lies with the person himself.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

SilleeMee — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:15:51 GMT

I'm proof that diet can take away the need for pain meds. I am also grateful beyond words that when I was prescribed a pain med, it was not an opioid. God bless that doc who wrote me that non-opioid Rx and thank God that I have been able, through diet and exercise, to live without that pain med any more. Life is good.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

Trinity11 — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:33:17 GMT

@sidsmom wrote:
@Cakers3 wrote:
Food isn't free. LOL

It is illogical to say that diet will cure everything.

We are all going to die someday. Nobody leaves this planet alive. NOBODY I don't care how many plants you chew.
Knowledge is free.
People are complaining about their aches & pains from minor to severe
but they don’t want to do the actions to fix what they can.
Just wanna pop a pill.

Cure everything? Didn’t say that...surprised that wasn’t caught
but my words offer hope...unlike many. Saying you still have
control can be very empowering rather than ‘we’re all going to die someday.’
Don’t ever want to be a Debbie Downer like that.

You still have control. Repeat....you STILL have control
and something like nutrition can be a start.

Stunning people don’t see the connection between nutrition & health.
Those who throw their hands up & ‘we’re all gonna die someday’
are just part of the problem.

Yes, nutrition plays a part in a lot of illnesses BUT it isn’t a one size fits all prescription. When I was diagnosed with hypertension in my 20 ‘s, I ate healthy and exercised. I still had it and had no choice but to take medication. When I ate a plant based diet, I needed more meds than ever. Anecdotal but certainly disproved the one size fits all plant based dietary advice dispensed here...

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

Nuttmeg — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:35:16 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@wonderfulworld wrote:
This is off topic I know but I have a big concern. Recently my blood pressure medicine ( generic)was recalled because it is made in China and it was found to have serious cancer causing chemicals mixed in. Now the one that was substituted for it is under voluntary recall. These are a class called Angiotension 2 blockers, paired with a diuretic. Generics...very inexpensive.

I have been taking these generics for 15 years. My question is this: if on medicare can the physician write it as no generic? I think I can probably find out if the original formulation is manufactured in the US. I will pay whatever it costs for untainted medication.

Can anyone speak to this issue? How real is the risk of contracting cancer from these pills. The pharmacist couldn't say...just return my unused pills and get a refund.
I already see the attorney ads about people who have taken these blood pressure pills and have pancreatic or other cancers calling them.

Thank you to anyone who can speak to this troubling issue.
@wonderfulworld Yes, I have the same problem. Yes, your physician can write a brand prescription but I highly doubt your insurer will pay for it. I won't risk cancer and just substituted another drug.

Please check your Formulary list of your Medicare drug plan

The plan will list the meds and do they cover branded drug.

You should talk to your doctor about your concerns?

I like a web site Drug. Com. It has a lot of information about medicine. It lists all the generics manufacturers of a certain drugs and where they are manufactured. You may want to talk to your pharmacist.

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

wonderfulworld — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 23:02:35 GMT

@Nuttmeg wrote:
@Trinity11 wrote:
@wonderfulworld wrote:
This is off topic I know but I have a big concern. Recently my blood pressure medicine ( generic)was recalled because it is made in China and it was found to have serious cancer causing chemicals mixed in. Now the one that was substituted for it is under voluntary recall. These are a class called Angiotension 2 blockers, paired with a diuretic. Generics...very inexpensive.

I have been taking these generics for 15 years. My question is this: if on medicare can the physician write it as no generic? I think I can probably find out if the original formulation is manufactured in the US. I will pay whatever it costs for untainted medication.

Can anyone speak to this issue? How real is the risk of contracting cancer from these pills. The pharmacist couldn't say...just return my unused pills and get a refund.
I already see the attorney ads about people who have taken these blood pressure pills and have pancreatic or other cancers calling them.

Thank you to anyone who can speak to this troubling issue.
@wonderfulworld Yes, I have the same problem. Yes, your physician can write a brand prescription but I highly doubt your insurer will pay for it. I won't risk cancer and just substituted another drug.
Please check your Formulary list of your Medicare drug plan
The plan will list the meds and do they cover branded drug.
You should talk to your doctor about your concerns?
I like a web site Drug. Com. It has a lot of information about medicine. It lists all the generics manufacturers of a certain drugs and where they are manufactured. You may want to talk to your pharmacist.

Thank you...will check out Drug.com

I have been doing a little on-line research (and I know that it can be way off) but the on-line quote for 90 pills , non generic was $800.00. And even then the pills are manufactured in Switzerland and Germany.

I read some of the FDA data about the risk of cancer and it seems quite low and the containment is one found in bacon, grilled meats and water. In 'minute' amounts. The pills had a much greater amount but the estimate of cancer cases was less than 1 in 100,000. and that was taking it for much longer than I have. I will keep digging and talk to my doctor.

Thanks everyone!

Re: “For First Time, Pharmaceutical Distributor Faces Federal Criminal Charges Over Opioid Crisis” N

Spurt — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 01:03:23 GMT

@wonderfulworld

Further discussion about your situation and answers to your questions might be better served under the Wellness category.....