| For Immediate Release | CONTACT: | Holly Anderson |
| 10/7/99 | (202) 835-3323 | |
WASHINGTON, DC . . . The National Consumers League launched
a public education campaign today to help consumers understand
the benefits of generic drugs. Americans will spend 100 billion
dollars on prescription drugs this year alone-twice the amount
they spent just six years ago. By using generic drugs when they
are available, consumers can save themselves money and help reduce
the overall costs of healthcare in this country.
"It's more important than ever that consumers have access
to safe, effective and affordable medications," said NCL
President Linda Golodner, "that's why we've launched this
campaign today, to educate consumers about the benefits of generic
drugs." NCL's effort includes a consumer brochure available
both in print and on the National Consumers League's Web site,
radio public service announcements, and a nationwide media push.
The campaign was made possible by an educational grant from Merck-Medco
Managed Care, L.L.C., which manages prescription drug benefits
for more than 51 million Americans.
A recent survey by Merck-Medco revealed that 83 percent of Americans
believe generic drugs are generally as safe and effective as brand-name
drugs and cost less, yet generic drugs represented only 41 percent
of overall prescription drug sales in 1998. "There appears
to be a disconnect between people's willingness to take generics
and their actual usage, and that's resulted in a missed opportunity
to reduce the nation's rising healthcare costs," said Robert
S. Epstein, M.D, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
at Merck-Medco.
NCL's campaign encourages consumers to ask their doctors and pharmacists
about generic drugs. "It's important to talk to your doctor
about what medications are available and appropriate for you,"
Golodner said, "Making greater use of generic drugs is one
of the smartest things people can do to cut down on their costs
without compromising the care they receive."
The brochure includes questions to ask your doctor and pharmacist,
answers to frequently asked questions about generic drugs, and
a glossary of terms related to generics. The Consumer Guide to
Generics is available at no cost by calling 1-877-4RX-TIPS, visiting
www.nclnet.org or by writing NCL, 1701 K Street NW, Suite 1200,
Washington, DC 20006.
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer
consumer organization. NCL's three-pronged approach of research,
education and advocacy has made it an effective representative
and source of information for consumers and workers. NCL is a
private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to representing
consumers on issues of concern.
NCL President Linda Golodner represents the League on several
national boards, including the National Patient Safety Foundation,
and chairs the National Council on Patient Information and Education
and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association Consumer Advisory
Council. Golodner was awarded the American Pharmaceutical Association's
Hugo H. Schaefer Award in 1997 and the American Council on Consumer
Interests' "Friend of Consumers Award" in 1999 for her
outstanding contributions to policies that promote consumers'
interests nationally and internationally.