Ep 18. US Drug Costs are Insane, Part 1

Date: 5/07/24Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 18 US Drug Costs Are Insane, Part 1Episode summary: Wow, drug costs in the US have skyrocket in recent years. The popularity of Ozempic and other weight loss drugs have really brought this issue into the light lately. Why do our drugs cost so much more than the same medications sold in other countries? How is the system set up? Who sets the list price? Hear answers to all these questions and more in this episode, part 1 of a 2 part series. Guest(s): noneKey Terms: noneReferences: CONVOLUTED DIAGRAM OF US DRUG COSTS: https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/12/14/pharmacy-benefit-managers-the-middleman-that-decides-what-you-pay-for-medicationsFlow of Money Through the Pharmaceutical Distribution System: https://healthpolicy.usc.edu/research/flow-of-money-through-the-pharmaceutical-distribution-system/Why do your prescription drugs cost so much: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-do-your-prescription-drugs-cost-so-much-202401183007Prescription Drug Payment Policy: Past, Present and Future: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193453/Here's How Much More Ozempic Costs in the U.S. Compared to Other Countries: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-how-much-more-ozempic-costs-in-the-u-s-compared-to-other-countriesBernie Sanders's letter to Novo Nordisk CEO: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-from-Sen.-Bernard-Sanders-to-Novo-Nordisk.pdfPharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Industry: Definition: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/070215/what-pharmacy-benefit-management-industry.aspAcquired podcast episode that I mentioned on Novo Nordisk: https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/novo-nordisk-ozempicPodcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.comPodcast email, become a guest: [email protected]