Posted by S. Suggs on November 1, 1999, at 5:05:33
In reply to Re: Ave. $Cost$ of NOT treating depression, posted by Abby on October 31, 1999, at 18:53:54
In regards to the generic meds, yes, you do save money in regards to brand name. However, what the pharmacy does is mark up their cost on generics on a much higher percentage basis, vs. the mark up on the brand. Ex. Some of your top selling meds (Prozac, zoloft....) are sold just above cost, possibly below, as a lost leader to draw in the floor traffic to sell food and other items. Why are most pharmacies located in the back of the store....so you will have to walk past the merchandise on the way in. On the receipt, the drug store will always tell you how much you saved. While this is true, it would really shock them to ask how much they made. Despite new technology in pharmaceuticals, the money to be made for the pharmacy is on the generics. They are banking on the fact that most people do not know this.
I like to use a book called the Physician's Generics. Similar to a PDR, but with all of the direct cost for the pharmacy. I have no problem with free enterprise, but if I may save myself some $, I'll do it. It will list brand (if available) and all generics with the number of tablets/pills in each container, and as mentioned, the direct cost. It really has been a life send. Cost around 70.00. You can probably find one on the net.
Blessings,
S. Suggs
poster:S. Suggs
thread:14266
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991028/msgs/14346.html