More generics

The outrageous cost of drugs begins with the pharmaceutical companies that set the prices to charge the pharmacies. We hear from so many people who say they can't afford the high prices of the drugs they are taking even though they have some coverage under Medicare or other insurance companies. It sure would be of everyone's benefit to have more drugs go generic; however, at this time the supply is limited. In my estimation, the companies are too strong to deal with.

MARIAN DOWIDAT

BLAINE

Look at drug firms Health care costs are rising at an unacceptable rate. Fingers are pointed at insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and various health care providers. As a health care provider, I see my reimbursement rates increase each year by 2-3 percent or less, so don't blame double-digit increases in premiums on us.

The supposed "perks" to providers by drug companies, for most of us, consists of a lunch provided to our staff, and a presentation of a new drug or device, handouts of various studies that have been done, with comparisons to existing drugs or devices, and maybe a few pens. This is another way for providers to learn about new medications.

What causes the high prices of prescription drugs? I watched one hour of network television on Sunday night, from 6-7 p.m. During that one hour, I saw 30-second ads for Crestor (a cholesterol drug), Nasonex (an inhalable steroid for allergies), Plavix (blood thinner), Lunesta (a sleeping pill), and Viagra (if you don't recognize this drug, you live on another planet). These ads cost a significant amount of money, and cause people to come into the office and ask for these medications. Perhaps our legislators, instead of limiting drug companies' access to physicians or payments per physician, should limit advertising.

DR. Robert Gjertson

Fridley