Seniors wrestle with drug choices

Local seniors -- like their counterparts everywhere -- have a keen interest in prescription drugs that save lives and improve their health.

Meeting last Tuesday at Sisters Community Church for their weekly luncheon, 45 local seniors heard Brenda Chilcott explain drug choices and pricing.

Chilcott, an American Association of Retired People (AARP) volunteer and Development Manager for the Central Oregon Council on Aging (COCOA), said that generic drugs can do the job and yet keep costs down.

She compared Mevacor, a generic drug used in cases of elevated cholesterol, versus one of the brand name drugs (such as Zocor):

"Why pay three times as much for the branded product when results can be equally as good with the generic?" asked Chilcott.

Another example was the use of an Aleve generic for joint and muscle pain, stiffness and symptoms of arthritis.

Again, there were similar results versus the brand name product (such as Celebrex), but at a fraction of the cost.

According to one of the AARP handouts, "The cost of prescription drugs is rising more quickly than the cost of any other part of our country's health care system."

"We've got to do something about the high cost of prescription drugs," said Chilcott. "I'm not about bashing the pharmaceutical industry. We know the wonderful job they have done in producing drugs that have saved lives and improved health.

"However, generic drug choices, when available, may be a viable option for you and your doctor."

Attendees received handouts on drug topics including the AARP's "Oregon Prescription Drug Guide" comparing the effectiveness and safety of various popular drugs in use.

"There is little guidance available to consumers and doctors helping to make informed choices that could very well cost less without sacrificing quality," said Chilcott.

"AARP believes the information presented here is important to everyone."

Chilcott also provided a guide for "Choosing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication," written in layman's language by Dr. Allen Douma, M.D., for AARP, and very useful for the seniors attending.

Also provided were 12 locations of "Prescription drug resources" for people to contact for purchasing prescription drugs.

For more information e-mail Chilcott at [email protected]