Price of Medication-Part 2

High Cost of healthcare gives me headache

The FDA approved over-the-counter Nexium^® 24HR (20mg) providing those who suffer from frequent heartburn broader access.

“Switching medicines, whenever appropriate, from prescription to non-prescription status improves access, empowers consumers to care for their own health and is an important strategy for Pfizer,”

Nexium generated sales of approximately $3.9 billion in 2013, {> 15% of AstraZeneca’s total revenues}. However, the company expects Nexium sales to decline in 2014 due to generic competition, at the end of May. AstraZeneca is entangled in patent litigation related to Nexium with several generic companies.

Analysis:
1- This step is taken as the Patent expires. Not a moment before.
2-Nexium revenue was $3.5 Billions in 2013, but that is not the cost for healthcare in USA. To get this medication, their is $30 Billion cost of obtaining the prescription, doctor visit &copay, Healthcare Insurance premium, obtaining the medicine-copay.
3-Now the cost to healthcare will dwindle to $400 millions at the most.
4-This is repeated with many items as the patent expires, then the pharmaceutical companies file for Over the Counter status. Why couldn't be in the OTC from the start?? It is all about the money.

We need to reduce the Healthcare cost and better service as well. It is up to the Legislator or better the Healthcare Insurances to tame the Beast.

Just a [high cost] thought