Drug companies' gifts to doctors raise eyebrows; New York AARP launches state-wide efforts to educate public, pass law exposing Rx sales practices

ALBANY, N.Y., April 5 /U.S. Newswire/ -- With brand name drug costs soaring and the Rx industry spending billions of dollars on gifts to promote them with doctors, AARP launched a counter measure today to educate the public, doctors and lawmakers about less expensive alternatives. On the legislative front, AARP is pushing for a state law requiring drug companies to disclose how much they spend on gifts to doctors, such as trips, entertainment and meals.

"A good sales pitch and expensive gifts shouldn't influence which drug you are prescribed. AARP's efforts are aimed at bringing the drug industry's practice to light and helping people make the right decisions about the drugs they take," said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State director. "Through legislation and education we want people to know why high price drugs are getting prescribed while the less expensive options, such as generics, often get pushed aside."

As part of the campaign, AARP members will take the issue to the streets, holding educational forums across the state, visiting doctors with information about generic drugs and less expensive, but equally effective alternatives, as well as urging their legislators to pass legislation bringing to light the gifts.

"Making sure people know about options to the high-priced brand name drugs could mean a world a difference for many New Yorkers, especially those who pay full retail for their drugs," added Aronstein. "We are fighting to ensure the drug that ends up in your medicine cabinet is the very best one for you."

In 2003 alone, drug companies spent over $5 billion on gifts to doctors attempting to get them to prescribe newer and, and in many cases, more expensive drugs when generic and less expensive alternatives exist. AARP believes that a key factor in keeping drugs affordable and accessible is making sure they are prescribed on the basis of scientific effectiveness and evidence, not on slick sales pitches pushing the newest and most expensive drugs on the market.

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AARP has over 2.6 million members in New York State. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP produces AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, their monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, their bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, their quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and their Web site, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. They have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.