A look at the top medical headlines for the week of July 14, 2019.
Generic Drug Safety
Since the 1980’s, almost all production of generic drugs has moved overseas, where FDA inspectors have a much tougher time making sure they’re following rules for safety. An investigative journalist describes the ways she’s found that many drugmakers cut corners, putting safety at risk, and details what consumers can do to protect themselves.
High Drug Prices Lead to Drug Misuse
Millions of Americans cannot afford the medications they’ve been prescribed. Many skip doses, split pills or don’t fill prescriptions at all as a result, with sometimes even fatal consequences. But doctors are often unable to consider cost very well in prescribing, as the same drug often costs patients vastly different amounts due to insurance differences. Experts discuss the problem and what patients can do to save.
18-23 Segment 1: Tackling High Drug Prices
The White House has rolled out a plan to reduce the cost of prescription drugs nationally. Experts and those involved discuss elements of the plan and how it might work.