Yikes! A 28,000% increase in a prescription drug cost!

gardenman · ‎03-09-2010

My mother's Nadolol which she's been getting through Walmart for over a year for a penny per refill just went up to $280.97 per refill. I don't mind a price increase, but 28,000% might just set a record for the biggest price increase in history. I was always shocked to get it for a penny, but Walmart had a special low price for many of the more common blood pressure meds and gave them out for a penny. Apparently that program ended without notification and (Surprise!) your penny prescription is now $280.97. They really shouldn't do things like that to people with heart conditions. Her total out of pocket spending on medication last year was only $380+ so dropping $280 on one refill was a bit of a shock to her. We'll now get it through her online pharmacy where it's $114 for a three month refill. That's more than a penny but a whole lot less than the $280.

Fly!!! Eagles!!! Fly!!!

Sweetbay magnolia · ‎04-14-2013

Yep. The pharmacy industry is out of control. My primary doc is irritated, as "they" (providers - ha!) have been questioning her prescription orders. This is not government subsidy. This is private industry. People are greedy.

Cogito ergo sum

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

When some pharmacies sell drugs for pennies on the dollar - who is really paying for those drugs. I've never understood that. I don't use Walmart, but I know there is a whole series of drugs available for 4 dents or less lots of places. How does that work?

I know sometimes I've had a drug for which I used to pay one thing drop to half of that or less and then others go up 100%, but I never understand anything more than what I have to pay.

I've never seen anything like OP's spike though - who was paying Walmart for that drug before? What were her insurances paying and did they stop? What happened?

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

Our entire health care industry needs to be overhauled.

califvanilla · ‎05-04-2010

I agree. Dexilant went from being covered to $600.00 for a 90 day supply. Insurance company insist I take nexium or something of that nature. Those meds didn't work and I developed ulcers on my esophagus. Now I'll order from Canada for $275.00 for a 90 day supply.

I have Anthem and now all my information has been compromised.

brii · ‎06-20-2010

That's awful.

terrier3 · ‎03-10-2010

On 2/6/2015 millieshops said:
When some pharmacies sell drugs for pennies on the dollar - who is really paying for those drugs. I've never understood that. I don't use Walmart, but I know there is a whole series of drugs available for 4 dents or less lots of places. How does that work?

I know sometimes I've had a drug for which I used to pay one thing drop to half of that or less and then others go up 100%, but I never understand anything more than what I have to pay.

I've never seen anything like OP's spike though - who was paying Walmart for that drug before? What were her insurances paying and did they stop? What happened?

It used to be that the drug section of a pharmacy broke even and they made money on smokes, make-up, etc.

Now it's the opposite.

I think the one cent loss leaders worked out because most people take more than one med and they make such HUGE profits on the others that it all evened out.

I read recently that a lot of companies that made competing generics are stopping production - so only ONE company will be supplying the generic (and the price can go up!)...they are colluding to increase prices.

lucylover64 · ‎01-04-2013

On 2/6/2015 depglass said:
Our entire health care industry needs to be overhauled.

Yes it does......it is indeed a huge train wreck. Gardenman--am so sorry your mother is experiencing this ridiculous situation. Thanks for posting on a very important issue.

Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

ACA promised Big Pharma they would be in the tank with ACA if they help them pass it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. That's true.

terrier3 · ‎03-10-2010

On 2/6/2015 lucylover64 said:
On 2/6/2015 depglass said:
Our entire health care industry needs to be overhauled.

Yes it does......it is indeed a huge train wreck. Gardenman--am so sorry your mother is experiencing this ridiculous situation. Thanks for posting on a very important issue.

If Part D legislation included the ability to negotiate prices...we wouldn't be in this situation.

This was PRIOR to ACA...it was baked into Part D - the benefit that came with NO funding source.