Prescription Drug Importation: Can it Help America’s Seniors?

AARP Global Aging Program Symposium

Gail ShearerDirector, Health Policy Analysis

Consumers UnionJune 22, 2005

Large potential savings ($ per pill)

Drug U.S. Canada

Nexium 4.20 2.4620 mg.

Zocor 4.13 2.6320 mg.

“It’s not the drugs we should be importing,It’s the policy.”

--Deborah Stone

Steps Congress should take• Negotiation of discounts, Medicare option• VA evidence-based model• Learn from other countries• Build brain trust• Evidence-based research

Identifying CR Best Buy Drugs

CU team reviews the effectiveness and cost data, and selects one or more drugs that:

• Are in the top tier of effectiveness

• Have a safety record as good as others in the category

• Have an average price substantially lower than the most costly drug in the category

Possible Annual Savings: 5 Categories

• Statins $1,300(cholesterol)

• Proton Pump Inhibitors: $1,700(acid reflux and ulcers)

• NSAIDs $1,700(arthritis and pain)

• Anti-depressants $1,200

• Beta Blockers $1,900(high blood pressure)

• ACE Inhibitors $1,300(high blood pressure)

Large potential savings ($ per pill)

Drug US Canada Best Buy DrugUS Canada

Nexium 4.20 2.46 .60 n/aZocor 4.13 2.63 1.23 1.39

Changing from this model of provision of information:

To unbiased, evidence-based information: