Big Pharma’s attack on your wallet

Here’s another sign Big Pharma doesn’t give a hoot about you – just your wallet.

At a time when nearly every industry is slashing prices to remain competitive in a shrinking economy, prescription drug prices are on the rise.

You heard that right.

It feels like most of us have less money than ever. And it’s worse for seniors. Even out here in Montana, many retired folks are being forced to return to work because they can no longer live off their shrinking investments.

They’re also more dependent than the rest of us on prescription drugs – even in cases when they shouldn’t be – and yet, at a time when they can least afford to pay more, the prices are rising.

AARP recently looked at what it called the 219 most common brand-name prescription drugs. It found that the price for those meds rose by 8.7 percent in 2008 — more than double the rate of the “official” reported inflation, which was 3.8 percent.

Generic drug manufacturers are following the more traditional business model for lean times: Those prices are on the decline.

One big reason for the big difference can be found at the other end of your remote control. All those drug commercials have a price, and Big Pharma expects you to pay it.

So if you’ve been thinking of making a switch from pricey brand-name meds to generic drugs, now might be the time to do it. But let’s take this one step further, because this is a great time to reconsider all drugs, no matter how much or how little they cost, and explore your non-drug alternatives.

Not only will it be easier on your wallet in these tough times, but it’ll be better for your body in the long run.

So pull your doctor aside and tell him you’re concerned about not only the rising price of drugs, but what they might be doing to you. Ask about safer – and cheaper – options, such as natural cures, alternative treatments and lifestyle changes.

There’s no better time than now to free yourself – and your wallet – from Big Pharma’s big grip.