Generic Drugs

Valium, one of the best-selling prescription drugs of all time, will soon be available in generic form at a greatly reduced price. Thanks to the recently enacted Drug Price Competition and Patent Restoration Act, increasing numbers of these patented drugs will enter the generic market in the next few years.

This is good news for those consumers whose medication will be available in generic form. But bad news for many others who must still take patented drugs. To make up for the loss of revenue, I, as a pharmacist, have seen a number of brand-name companies raise the prices of their drugs still covered by patent. In addition, new drugs now entering the market are priced higher than ever. In essence, those who have patented drugs are subsidizing those who take generics.

HARVEY J. WEISS

Fullerton