medicines

Pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts released a report today which argues that the healthcare system could save $20 billion if healthcare providers switched to commonly available generic drugs instead of using more expensive brand name medicines. The company's Generic Drug Usage Report looks at costs for about 3 million people participating in its network across six drug classes, including NSAIDS, cholesterol fighting statins, GI drugs and antidepressants. Express Scripts estimates …

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he supports Proposition 78, the drug industry-backed ballot measure which would establish a prescription drug discount program designed to provide cheaper medicines to the poor and those without access to insurance. Schwarzenegger said he opposes Proposition 79, the more far-reaching alternative supported by some consumer groups and healthcare unions which would require stricter state regulation of drug sales and impose penalties on drug …

The family of a former teacher who died after a preventable medical error at Seattle's Virginia Mason Medical Center has reached an unusual settlement with the hospital. Mary McClinton died during surgery to repair a blood vessel after being injected with a surgical cleaning solution. Virginia Mason publicly apologized for the error and accepted responsibility. The healthcare provider will make a charitable contribution to a foundation set up in McClinton's name to advance medical …

Following last week's report in the New England Journal of Medicine on a new method of using genetic testing to determine the best coumadin dosage for patients, the Boston Globe examines the potential of personalized medicines. The report examines similar experiments being pursued by cancer researchers and doctors looking for better ways to treat asthma. Story