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Generic Or Name Brand
By Dr. Joseph Mercola, Thu Dec 8th
In June 2006, insurers and government agencies will have theopportunity to start using an inexpensive generic version of thecholesterol-lowering drug Zocor instead of the more priceyLipitor. Pfizer, which makes Lipitor, plans to use marketing muscle tofight the change. They claim that has unique benefitsthat make it worth the price. Both and Zocor are statin drugs, which are the nation'sbest-selling medications. Almost 150 million prescriptions willbe filled this year, with a $16 billion price tag. Insurers and some cardiologists say that, in many cases,patients who take the a common dosage of Lipitor, such as 10milligrams daily, can reduce their cholesterol just as much withZocor. costs $2 or more a day, whereas generic Zocorwill likely cost 35 cents or less. The battle over which drug will be prescribed will involve manyof the fundamental forces currently driving American healthcare. Prescription drug sales have increased from $40billionfifteen years agoto almost $250 billion today. But whilemany complain about the cost of prescription drugs, patients arealso frequently reluctant to accept generic medicines instead ofmore expensive brand-name medications that might be slightlybetter. New York Times October 15, 2005 Registration RequiredThe(Lakeland, Fla.) Ledger October 15, 2005 Dr. Mercola's Comment:A few months ago I warned you aboutMerck's over-the-counter (OTC) statin drug under considerationby the FDA. It never happened in the US, although it did in theU.K. with Zocor. I
suspect Pfizer will have a hard time proving is worththe higher price, based on a German study Iran last month thatfound it to be no better benefit-wise than other statins andthat it may actually pose worse side effects for patients too.Please understand that isn't the "best" statin drug --simply the one with the best marketing program. The fact is, all statins are a "cure" for a symptom, and donothing to address the underlying causes of the problem. Allthey do is cost you money and put you at riskfor serious andsometimes life-threatening side effects. If you want to know thereal truth about statins and their dangers, read my past articleThe Truth About Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs. You don't need to be taking a statin drug -- a generic orpatented toxic "Band-Aid" -- at all, if you make two basiclifestyle changes: - Reducing, with the plan ofeliminating, grains and sugars from your diet.
- Starting adaily exercise program focusing on improving your cardiovascularsystem.
These two strategies, properly applied, will normalizecholesterol in will over 99% of those with "high" cholesterol,and it will achieve a normal cholesterol level without the useof potentially toxic and expensive medications orsupplements.
About the author:This article is reprinted from Mercola.com, the world's #1
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