In Sour Economy, Some Scale Back on Medications

Summary

New research from IMS Health, a research firm that tracks prescriptions, shows consumers are struggling to afford prescription medications in the current economy.

The extent of the difficulties patients are feeling can be seen in the reduction of prescriptions dispensed in the United States in the first eight months of 2008, over the first eight months of last year.

"People are having to choose between gas, meals and medication" said Dr. James King, chairman of the American Academy of Family Physicians as he recently addressed the bleak outlook many consumers are facing in the current economic crisis.

My Thoughts

As belts tighten in the worsening economy, consumers are forced to make tradeoffs - and affording medication is often one of the first areas to face cuts. Unfortunately, tough times equate to easy pickings for cybercriminals who know that the appeal of quack medicine and discount drugs rises as the economy falls.

Two months ago, I wrote an advice blog titled Online Medical Fraud: New Tools for Old Scams. As the economy worsens, that advice will become ever more critical.

Linda