“Feelings” From Instagram

When TrumpRx launched in February, it joined a chorus of websites claiming to have deals on prescription drugs.⁠ Despite the hype, many of the medicines on TrumpRx include brand-name drugs that patients can find cheaper elsewhere, as generics.⁠
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For instance, Protonix for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease is available for $200 on TrumpRx. But the generic version, called pantoprazole, costs less than $30 with a coupon from GoodRx, another drug discount website. And depending on the health plan, using insurance could mean a $5 or $0 copay.⁠

“Facts” From Investigating and Thinking

Pharmaceutical companies, mostly in the US and Europe, develop and patent “miracle drugs” for which they charge very high prices so they can recover their development costs within the patent periods – usually 20 years. The situation is made worse by FDA trials that eat up half that 20 years before they can get to market. During the remaining time, the same drugs are offered in 3rd-World countries for much less, making US prices even higher.

After the patents have expired, others can sell the equivalent “generics” for a fraction because they have no development cost to recover.