We have all had a shock effect when going up to a checkout counter. Sometimes an item is not on sale as we had originally thought, and other times the price had simply increased, leaving us with the decision whether or not to continue with the purchase. However, when the item is a necessary prescription drug, we do not always have the option not to make the purchase.

Generic drugs typically cost 30% to 80% less than the comparable branded drugs. However, generic drugs are seeing sudden and dramatic price increases.  For example, a cholesterol lowering prescription bottle of Pravastatin that was normally $27.00 has increased to $196.00. For many that depend on this medication on a regular basis, this causes a huge financial hardship.