Drug companies' gifts to doctors raise eyebr
ows;
New York AARP launches state-wide efforts to educate public, pass
law exposing Rx sales practices
ALBANY, N.Y., April 5 /U.S. Newswire/ --
With brand name drug costs soaring and the Rx industry spending
billions of dollars on gifts to promote them with doctors, AARP
launched a counter measure today to educate the public, doctors and
lawmakers about less expensive alternatives. On the legislative
front, AARP is pushing for a state law requiring drug companies to
disclose how much they spend on gifts to doctors, such as trips,
entertainment and meals.
"A good sales pitch and
expensive gifts shouldn't influence which drug you are
prescribed. AARP's efforts are aimed at bringing the drug
industry's practice to light and helping people make the
right decisions about the drugs they take," said Lois
Aronstein, AARP New York State director. "Through
legislation and education we want people to know why high
price drugs are getting prescribed while the less expensive
options, such as generics, often get pushed aside."
As part of the campaign, AARP
members will take the issue to the streets, holding educational
forums across the state, visiting doctors with information about
generic drugs and less expensive, but equally effective
alternatives, as well as urging their legislators to pass
legislation bringing to light the gifts.
"Making sure people know about
options to the high-priced brand name drugs could mean a world a
difference for many New Yorkers, especially those who pay full
retail for their drugs," added Aronstein. "We are fighting to ensure
the drug that ends up in your medicine cabinet is the very best one
for you."
In 2003 alone, drug companies
spent over $5 billion on gifts to doctors attempting to get them to
prescribe newer and, and in many cases, more expensive drugs when
generic and less expensive alternatives exist. AARP believes that a
key factor in keeping drugs affordable and accessible is making sure
they are prescribed on the basis of scientific effectiveness and
evidence, not on slick sales pitches pushing the newest and most
expensive drugs on the market.
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AARP has over 2.6 million members
in New York State. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership
organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and
control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and
society as a whole. AARP produces AARP The Magazine, published
bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, their monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda
Juventud, their bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live
& Learn, their quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and their Web
site, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that
provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in
need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and
sponsors. They have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
