SSN Commentary

High-Priced Specialty Drugs: Exposing the Flaws in the System

Policy field

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Case Western Reserve University

Originally published as

"High-Priced Specialty Drugs: Exposing the Flaws in the System," The Conversation, January 13, 2020

My husband, Andy, has Parkinson’s disease. A year ago, his neurologist recommended a new pill that he was to take at bedtime. We quickly learned that the medication would cost US$1,300 for a one-month supply of 30 pills. In addition, Andy could obtain the drug from only one specialty pharmacy and would have to use mail order.

This was our introduction to specialty drugs.