Now, it appears that some drug makers are trying to “adjust what they charge for their drugs, based on how well the medicines improve patients’ health.” Kind of like a “guaranteed or your money back” type of thing. The first of this type of program is expected to be with Merck. Merck will base the cost of Januvia and Janumet (both for diabetes) based on how well the patients respond to this drug and are able to control their blood sugar.

I think this could be a good thing. After all, if the product doesn’t deliver, we should have the right to take it back like we do any other type of item we might purchase. What do you think?

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Drug Company Guarantees

The maker of Vioxx has agreed to pay $4.85bn to settle legal claims that the controversial drug caused many users to suffer strokes and heart failure.

Holy Potatoes is what I have to say. But I guess it could have been far worse when you really stop and think about it. In order to qualify for compensation you must prove that you suffered serious illness at the most 2 weeks after you purchased the drug.

The above amount of money will be able to settle over 90% of Vioxx lawsuits with the exception of class action suits. Like I said, it could have been worse for Merck.
via Science Daily

Post from: Blisstree

Merck Set To Pay $4.85 Billion To Settle On Vioxx Lawsuits

More than 6 million people worldwide have taken the drug sold by London-based GlaxoSmithKline PLC since it came on the market eight years ago. Pooled results of dozens of studies revealed a 43 percent higher risk of heart attack, according to the review published by the New England Journal of Medicine.

The numbers are fairly impressive and warrant concern and questions. Why was the medication approved in the first place? Why did it take this long for research to be done on Avandia if there was speculation?

When the drug was approved, “evidence was at best mixed” on its benefit, wrote the two doctors. Both have been frequent critics of the FDA’s failure to spot dangers in the drug approval process and its conduct in the case involving Vioxx. The popular arthritis medicine sold by Merck & Co. was taken off the market in 2004 when heart problems came to light after it had been taken by millions of people

We all remember the happenings that followed with the discovery of the increased cardiac risks of Vioxx. Will Avandia follow suit?

Bottom line in my opinion, if you are on Avandia and have heart disease, you need to ask questions. You and only you can protect yourself. As I always say, be your own advocate!

via CNN

Post from: Blisstree

Avandia Linked To An Increased Risk Of Heart Disease