Cost of Brand Name Drugs up 4 Percent in 1st Quarter

AARP reports a 4 percent increase in the cost of brand name drugs during the first quarter of this year, which is the largest increase since 2000. Families USA reports that insurers who participate in the Medicare program passed along price increases for 19 of the top 20 drugs that lead in sales. Prices of generic drugs remained unchanged. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said overall drug prices increased 1.6 percent during the first quarter and did not distinguish between the costs of brand name and generic drugs. Associated Press, Arizona Star, 06/21/2006