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Replies to "Yes. the pricing for drugs in the U.S. seems crazy! I understand that most patients don't..."
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (47)
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Yes. the pricing for drugs in the U.S. seems crazy! I understand that most patients don't pay that cost directly, but even when it's covered by Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans's benefits, or private insurance, *someone* is paying that (through taxes, insurance premiums, etc).
In Ontario, the drug maker set the retail price of Orgovyx at CA $315 / month (US $235) so that it would hit the same price point as Firmagon. That still seems expensive to most people, until I tell them what it costs in the U.S. 😕
FWIW, Lupron is priced from CA $1,170 (US $850) for the 22.5 mg 3-month dose, so it's also price-competitive with Firmagon and Orgovyx.
Replies to "Yes. the pricing for drugs in the U.S. seems crazy! I understand that most patients don't..."
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Perhaps my point is that no one is getting rich from prescribing ADT in Ontatio, but they still do prescribe it regularly, suggesting it really is for the patients' benefit and not just part of a money-making scam.
The oncologist is paid US $25 for the follow-up appointment when they prescribe it, and the pharmacy will make under US $50 profit from selling a 3-month Lupron dose or under US $20 profit from a 1-month Firmagon or Orgovyx supply.
Ontario pharmacies would do far better financially pushing herbal and homeopathic remedies, where the profit margin isn't controlled, or even more lucratively, overpriced make-up and skin-care products. 🙂