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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ItsJustMe on February 8, 2001, at 21:47:21
How does everyone afford ordering in all these drugs from overseas?
Posted by kazoo on February 9, 2001, at 0:20:15
In reply to I don't get it ..., posted by ItsJustMe on February 8, 2001, at 21:47:21
> How does everyone afford ordering in all these drugs from overseas?
^^^^^^^^^^^^
You bring up a good point, something I've wondered about for the longest time (remember: I'm an "Oldtimer"). And it's not just the cost aspect of this issue, but more of an ethical, moral one: is it really fair to extoll the benefits of a drug that is not currently mainstream, or even available, to someone who cannot get it? Aside from the anecdotal value of such posts, I personally think this is cruel; i.e., to give this sort of hope to someone in a hopeless situation. And the "hope" may be false at that: there's no guarantee that any of this stuff will work the way you want it to, or the way you would like it to. (But hope is hope, and even the smallest amount is worth holding on to.)
CASE IN POINT: Reboxetine. Tested and used extensively in Europe (the "old world") with fabulous results, yet its released is stalled in the USA (the "new world"), and why? Because the FDA, drug companies, insurance companies, advertising companies, PR people, doctors and pharmacists all want a piece of your WALLET, that's why. They couldn't care less about your health or mine (if they did, alcohol and tobacco products would be banned and illegal). Is the rest of the world better off than the States when it comes to drugs? Why should anyone have to jump through hoops to get medication? Why should anyone be faced with such a dilemma?
So, coming around full circle, ItsJustMe, you *did* ask the appropriate question, and hopefully I answered it in my own convoluted manner.
"Please take a number and stand in line ... a service representative will be with you before you die ... all major credit cards accepted."
(A still angry after all these years) kazoo
Posted by Neal on February 9, 2001, at 3:45:56
In reply to I don't get it ..., posted by ItsJustMe on February 8, 2001, at 21:47:21
> How does everyone afford ordering in all these drugs from overseas?
1. Some European drugs are not all that espensive.
2. Last years favorable exchange rate (around .85 - .9 Euros to the American Dollar made all things European a relative bargain.
3. Who can put a price on possible relief from, say, an agonizing depression or a lifelong dysthymia?
4. Heaven help you if you're not insured; US drug prices are some of the most expensive in the world.
Posted by shar on February 9, 2001, at 13:53:03
In reply to Re: I don't get it ..., posted by Neal on February 9, 2001, at 3:45:56
> > How does everyone afford ordering in all these drugs from overseas?
DESPERATION. One can go without many things as they spiral down into the black pit of hopelessness and despair. A potential handhold to grab onto is (to some) priceless.
FYI, drugs identical to the U.S. ones we buy here are sold for MUCH LESS in Europe and elsewhere.
Shar
This is the end of the thread.
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