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The researchers examined four drugs: Allegra, Arava, Amaryl and Zithromax. In the next 1 / 2 of 2005, each one of these drugs come to an end of patent protection. Their universal equivalents were purchased alternatively at a typical factor of 87 per cent within 1 month of the equivalents supply at pharmacies.

The investigation was organized by Medco Health Solutions Inc. Situated in Frankin Lakes, which can be the largest drug profit management company in U.S. The organization deals for low prices of prescription drug with respect to its clients.

According to the study, Zithromax, the blockbuster of Pfizer Inc. with its annual sales of $1.85 billion was quickly substituted at pharmacies by common equivalent at a 90 percent rate just after it lost its patent protection in November.

The analysis authors mentioned the substitution of Zithromax, an for respiratory infections, as evidence that more and more doctors order simple types of manufacturer drugs more quickly, even when it is about so-called acute treatment drugs, such as Zithromax.

The truly good news is why these four common drugs are simply the start. With numerous popular medicines likely to move off patent next a long period, we must see significant prescription drug prices savings - mentioned a senior vice president, Dr. Glen Stettin.

A speaker at Medco, Ann Smith said that over 70 manufacturer drugs, including 19 blockbusters, are losing their patent protection over the following five years - with total yearly sales of $45 million.

If Medcos research shows a long-term development, in the coming years consumers, employers and insurance providers helps you to save vast amounts of dollars in prescription drug - Smith said.

The info met with enthusiastic response from consumer groups.

We hope the trend continues. Its good for consumers, confessed Bill Vaughan, senior coverage analyst for an group, Consumer Union, based in Washington, D.C.

Vaughan stated that past fears concerning the safety and effectiveness of common drugs have apparently began to fade away as society is becoming more concerned about rapid increase of health-care costs.

The FDA approves these generic drugs since they have been decided just as safe and effective as their brand counterparts, however, you pay a portion of the purchase price, Vaughan mentioned. We think this is very positive and can save your self customers literally huge amounts of dollars in the next several years.

At the same time frame, large pharmaceutical businesses have stated that their brand name drugs won't be replaced by imitations as insurers and doctors know that the brand name drugs guarantee greater care and in effect - spend less.

Hank McKinnell, Pfizer Chairman used that argument all through last session with authorities in Ny.

If you dont like the high cost of healthcare, try the high cost of sickness, McKinnell suggested. address