Latest news with #Atorvastatin
New York Post
5 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Doctor exposes shocking disparity in medicine costs between the US and Australia
A doctor has exposed the shocking reality for Americans who are forced to pay up to tens of thousands of dollars for vital medicines that some Aussies fork out less than $10 for. Doctor Michael broke down the price discrepancies between five common medications in the United States, Australia and Scotland to his more than 500,000 followers on TikTok. Watched more than 2.7 million times, he started the video on a salbutamol inhaler, a puffer for asthma sufferers, costing about A$10, while it is US$50 in the states. A doctor has revealed the shock costs of five common medicines in the US, Australia and Scotland. One medication will set back Americans up to $84,500. 4 A doctor has revealed the shock costs of five common medicines in the US, Australia and Scotland. Nikish H/ – Atorvastatin, a medication to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease, is priced as little as A$6.70 for 30 tablets in Australia, compared to US$2,628 for Americans. Next was Omeprazole, used for treating stomach acid, heartburn and reflux, costs A$6 in Australia and up to US $326 in the US. While Azithromycin, an antibiotic to treat bacterial infections, can set Americans back US$155, while many Aussies pay just A$7.70. However, the biggest shock was Sofosbuvir, which treats hepatitis C, with a 12-week treatment roughly costing an eyewatering US$84,000 without insurance and discounts. It equates to about US$1,000 a tablet, multiple US health websites reported. Meanwhile, it costs about $31 for a packet of 28 in Australia on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Americans are facing much higher costs. There are no costs involved for all five medications mentioned in Scotland, Dr Michael said. 'Oh my god,' he said in reaction to the five-figure cost. 'See, in Scotland and Australia there's a socialist healthcare system which means that the government subsidises the cost of medications.' Commenters from around the world were left shocked. 'Aussie here, happy to pay extra tax to know that everyone can get medical care. It's a human right ffs,' one person said. 'America is one gigantic scam,' added another. 'People in Australia cry over tax we have to pay,' added a third. 'On the other hand, free hospitals, cheap medicine, cheap doctors, family tax benefit, aged care, unemployment benifits, aged pension, carer payments, meternity leave, farm house allowances, disability support, youth allowance. The list goes on. Australia looks after its citizens.' The medical practitioner's video came after President Donald Trump threatened a 200 percent tariff on imported drugs, one of Australia's largest exports to the US. 4 The medical practitioner's video came after President Donald Trump threatened a 200 per cent tariff on imported drugs, one of Australia's largest exports to the US. Tyler Olson – The commander-in-chief this week warned he may hike it a further 50 per cent. 'We'll be putting (an) initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year, one-and-a-half years, maximum, it's going to go to 150 per cent,' he said in a CNBC interview on Tuesday. 'And then it's going to go to 250 per cent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country.' Trump's fresh tariff threat It is feared President Trump's war on Big Pharma could have monumental consequences in Australia that could see billions wiped from the economy and the PBS caught in the crossfire. However, The Australian Institute's chief economist, Matt Grudnoff, urged caution and argued the leader of the free world himself was likely unsure of what he is going to do on pharmaceutical tariffs 'yet'. 'Some of the numbers he throws around, we know that even after well over six months now of talk about tariffs, he really hasn't nailed down exactly what they're going to be anywhere. This is something that I think will be off in the future,' Mr Grundoff told US President Donald Trump has threatened to slap 250 per cent tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, a $2.2 billion export of Australia. He also stressed American consumers will be hit harder than Australians if any tariffs were to be applied, but Mr Grudnoff said the timing of it could be around the US midterms. 'If Trump imposes tariffs that increase the price of medicines in the US right before the midterm elections… I can't see that happening for political reasons if nothing else,' he said. 'I think that Republicans facing re-election will be very keen for that not to happen and also Trump has been… talking about decreasing medicine prices and (if) medicine prices go up, that might be quite difficult politically for him.' 4 He also stressed American consumers will be hit harder than Australians if any tariffs were to be applied, but Mr Grudnoff said the timing of it could be around the US midterms. bukhta79 – He said any levies on pharmaceuticals could have a 'slightly larger impact' compared to other industries and affect some of the largest medicine companies in Australia. The Albanese government ruled out making changes to the PBS to appease President Trump who has been urged to overhaul the 'discriminatory' scheme that 'undermines' US exports. Any alteration to the system may drive up prices of medicines in Australia. 'To be very clear, there seems to be very strong bipartisan policy in Australia (on) both sides that no, they're not going to use the PBS as a bargaining tool,' Mr Grudnoff said. 'There has been no indication yet that the Australian government would reduce pharmaceutical tariffs for higher US drug prices in Australia. I think they'd be crazy to do it. I don't think our trade with the US in pharmaceutical goods is anywhere near big enough to warrant the pain that would be caused in Australia by higher drug prices.' Both sides of government have ruled out any changes to the PBS amid President Trump's pharmaceutical tariff threat. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously said the PBS is 'not up for negotiation'. Last week the government introduced legislation to bring down the cap of eligible medicines on the PBS from $31.60 down to $25 from January 1 next year. Labor said it will save Australians about $200 million a year. PBS wait times a big concern, peak body warns The threat of President Trump's tariffs are less of a concern compared to the long wait times for medicines to be put on the PBS, a peak pharmaceutical research industry has said. Medicines Australia chief Liz de Somer warned Australians could die waiting for new life-saving medicines to be listed on the scheme Patients and advocacy groups say the complex process and excessive red tape involved is leading to unnecessary and long delays. 4 Patients and advocacy groups say the complex process and excessive red tape involved is leading to unnecessary and long delays. Tiktok/@drmichaelsays A report this week found the average wait time from when a medication is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to being listed is 22 months. It would see drugs costing hundreds to thousands of dollars drop to just over $30. 'Patients will die waiting for medicines to be listed,' Ms de Somer said. 'And this will have a far greater effect on the Australian system than anything else.' A review of the PBS system was completed by the Health Technology Assessment and handed to the federal government last year, making a series of recommendations to improve speed. Health Minister Mark Butler has said the review will help guide the Albanese government on future decisions on reform. 'The Albanese government is continuing to make medicines available to Australian patients faster and cheaper,' he said. 'We know patients want faster access to cutting-edge medicine and treatments. 'That's why our government is working through the recommendations of the HTA review, so Australians can get faster access to the best medicines and therapies, at a cost that patients and the community can afford.'
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Health
- Sky News AU
A TikTok video revealing the cost of medicines in the US stuns Australians with many labelling American healthcare a 'scam'
A doctor has revealed the costs of different medications in Australia, the US and Scotland - leaving social media users flabbergasted at the US healthcare system. @drmichaelsays on Tiktok said the cost of a salbuthamol inhaler - commonly referred to as a blue inhaler - costs people in Scotland nothing, Australians $7AUD and people in the United States $77AUD. He showcased other medications that were either subsidised or free in Australia or Scotland in the viral video that has been seen over 2.7 million times. Another example is Atorvastatin, a medication that is used to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease, which is priced at AU $6.70 or US$2,628 (AU$4032.67) and free in Scotland. He then discussed Sofosbuvir, which is used to treat hepatitis C. The medication can cost up to US$84,000 (AU$128,923.58) if a patient does not have insurance, whereas in Australia the cost is capped at AU$31.60 (US$20.61) - and has also been given out for free. 'Oh my god,' he said in reaction to the five-figure cost. 'See, in Scotland and Australia there's a socialist healthcare system which means that the government subsidises the cost of medications.' Commentators revealed that they were shocked about the cost, with many Australians revealing that they would rather deal with the high tax rate and subsidised medicine over the costs that American patients and consumers must contend with. 'Aussie here, happy to pay extra tax to know that everyone can get medical care. It's a human right,' one person said. Another said 'America is one gigantic scam,' while another felt that even though the Australian system is not perfect, they would have more rights in Australia. 'People in Australia cry over tax we have to pay,' added another. 'On the other hand, free hospitals, cheap medicine, cheap doctors, family tax benefit, aged care, unemployment benefits, aged pension, carer payments, maternity leave, farmhouse allowances, disability support, youth allowance. The list goes on. Australia looks after its citizens.' Healthcare in the United Kingdom is provided through the National Health Service, and responsibility for the management of the health service is delegated to the constituent nations of the UK, much like primary health is delegated to individual states and territories in Australia. The video comes as President Trump's administration seeks to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical companies that have not relocated their manufacturing base from overseas to the US. But Chief Economist at the Australia Institute Matt Grudnoff said even the president was unsure about imposing the tariffs, telling that politically, it could be a hard sell for Republican members of Congress heading into the midterms. 'If Trump imposes tariffs that increase the price of medicines in the US right before the midterm elections ... I can't see that happening for political reasons if nothing else,' he said. 'I think that Republicans facing re-election will be very keen for that not to happen and also Trump has been ... talking about decreasing medicine prices and (if) medicine prices go up, that might be quite difficult politically for him.' The Albanese government has stressed that in any tariff talks, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is not up for discussion, a position supported by the Coalition.
NDTV
03-08-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Centre Cuts Prices Of 35 Essential Medicines
In a move to make medicines more affordable for patients, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has reduced the retail prices of 35 essential drugs sold by leading pharmaceutical companies. The formulations, which will now cost less, span a wide range of medicines including anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antibiotic, anti-diabetic and psychiatric medicines. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers notified the order based on price regulation by the NPPA. The price reductions, which apply across drugs, are expected to bring relief to consumers, particularly those managing chronic conditions. The key formulations covered by the price control order include fixed-dose combinations of Aceclofenac, Paracetamol and Trypsin Chymotrypsin, Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate, Atorvastatin combinations and newer oral anti-diabetic combinations like Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin, and Metformin. The price of one Aceclofenac-Paracetamol-Trypsin Chymotrypsin tablet manufactured by Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals and marketed by Dr Reddy's Laboratories has now been fixed at Rs 13, while the same formulation marketed by Cadila Pharmaceuticals is now priced at Rs 15.01. Similarly, a tablet containing Atorvastatin 40 mg and Clopidogrel 75 mg, widely used for cardiovascular conditions, is priced at Rs 25.61. Oral suspensions for paediatric use - Cefixime and Paracetamol combinations - have also been included, along with critical medications like Cholecalciferol drops for Vitamin D supplementation and Diclofenac Injection, which has been priced at Rs 31.77 per ml. The official order states that retailers and dealers must display these updated price lists prominently in their premises. Failure to comply with the notified prices may attract penal provisions under the DPCO, 2013, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including recovery of overcharged amounts with interest. The NPPA clarified that the prices fixed were exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST), which may be added, if applicable. Manufacturers are required to comply with all statutory requirements, issue updated price lists in Form V through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System and submit the information to the NPPA and state drug controllers. Any prior price orders issued for the specified formulations and manufacturers stand superseded by this latest notification. The NPPA, which functions under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, is the drug price regulator in India, responsible for fixing and revising prices of pharmaceutical products and monitoring the prices of both controlled and decontrolled drugs.
Health Line
01-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What's the Connection Between Statins and Dementia?
There are conflicting research findings as to whether the use of statins can protect from dementia or increase the risk of dementia. While some older research has pointed to the possibility of a correlation, more recent studies showed that this drug class may lower your risk for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Statins are a type of medication taken to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They prevent an enzyme called hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), which is involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Benefits of statins Benefits include lowering LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease, and preventing plaque buildup in your arteries. These medications include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor), among others. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that statin use could rarely cause memory loss or confusion. The FDA later updated the findings that this cognitive decline was not significant. A growing body of research suggests statins may have a protective effect against dementia. A review of 31 studies published in 2018 supports the idea that statins can help prevent the risk of dementia. The researchers found that taking statins for 1 year decreased dementia risk by about 20%, while an average daily 5-milligram (mg) dose was associated with an 11% decrease in dementia risk. The researchers noted that because high cholesterol is a risk factor for dementia, lowering it could have positive effects on the brain. According to a 2020 review, statins may help short- and long-term delay of dementia progression in people over 65 years old with the condition, although the researchers noted that their findings were insufficient to make a definitive statement. Studies in 2021 and 2023 also pointed in the direction of statins having a protective effect against dementia, though the results were not conclusive. Research discrepancies Researchers in a 2022 study pointed out that discrepancies among studies is possibly related to smaller sample sizes and biases in the research methods, as well as wide ranges in the ages of participants, and co-existing conditions. Additionally, these researchers pointed out that different types of statins have different cognitive effects. Most scientists and medical professionals agree that more research is needed on the cognitive effects of statins, and there are studies in progress. If you have high cholesterol, it's important to get advice from a medical professional. High cholesterol is a risk factor for diseases that can affect your independence and life span, such as: heart disease dementia stroke heart attack While some people can experience improvement with lifestyle modifications, many who have high cholesterol need to take cholesterol-lowering medication. You and your doctor can discuss a plan that's individualized for you.
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Alembic Pharma receives USFDA approval for generic hypertension drug
Alembic Pharmaceuticals on Friday said it has received final approval from the US health regulator for its generic version of amlodipine and atorvastatin tablets, used to treat high blood pressure. The final approval by the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) is for the abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) of Amlodipine and Atorvastatin tablets of strengths 2.5 mg/10 mg, 2.5 mg/20 mg, 2.5 mg/40 mg, 5 mg/10 mg, 5 mg/20 mg, 5 mg/40 mg, 5 mg/80 mg, 10 mg/10 mg, 10 mg/20 mg, 10 mg/40 mg, and 10 mg/80 mg, the company said in a statement. These are therapeutically equivalent to the reference-listed drug product, Caduet tablets of corresponding strengths of Pharmacia and Upjohn Co LLC, it added. Alembic said it has a cumulative total of 223 ANDA approvals (199 final approvals and 24 tentative approvals) from the USFDA. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
