In the midst of legislative arguments, a FDA struggle, presidential statements and a national crisis over critical drug shortages - Pfitzer has announced its newest assualt on consumers – by lobbying and bribing large pharmacies not to carry the newly released generic form of their monster best-selling drug, Lipitor (atorvastatin).
Right now, millions and millions of Americans take this medication for treatment of cholesterol and cholesterol related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease.
Recent medical research, and discussions among medical professionals will potentially expand the market for statin drugs as these guidelines recommend extending the use of statin drugs to large numbers of people, including children*. Just recently, treatment guidelines for diabetes were changed to recommend statin use – even in diabetics with normal cholesterol levels – potentially bringing Pfizer millions and millions more consumers.
Now the Federal Trade Commission is going to come in and take a look at this ‘deal’ - which certainly stinks (in my humble opinion.)
This affects more than Pfizer, Medco and people taking Lipitor – this development does not bode well for the millions of people eagerly awaiting the arrival of generic Plavix (clopidogrel) and other crucial medications that are currently only available in costly brand name formulations.
Incidentally, Lipitor (generic name: atorvastatin) is similar to sister drugs pravastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin – which are all drugs available under most large retail chains $4 drug plans). So don’t allow yourselves to be taken hostage by Pfizer, ask to change to simvastatin or one of these other formulations.
Historical footnotes:
Many of us remember when it was announced that generic formulations of clopidogrel would be available back in 2006. Back then, the government ruled in favor of Big Pharma - and forced companies to stop making and supplying generic Plavix to American residents. Shortly after that – they made it illegal for American residents to bring back their own plavix, lipitor and other drugs (from Canada and other countries already benefitting from generic copies of these medications.)
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