In some cases, modern medicines can save health care dollars, by reducing the need for more expensive treatments. Here are some examples of the different ways in which pharmaceuticals give value. Over the past 30 years, medicines have helped reduce deaths fromheart disease and stroke by half. Anti-nausea medicines have improved the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A biotechnology medicine replaces a hormone kidney dialysis patients lack, giving them renewed energy.
Osteoporosis causes more than a million hip fractures a year.
Increased drug utilization is good for patients and for the health care system . Outpatient prescription drugs account for only six cents out of every health care dollar. In many cases, drug treatment lowers the overall cost of treating a disease or condition. Pharmaceuticals add value to health care, helping patients at every stage of life. Policies that restrict the use of pharmaceuticals and discourage innovation hurt patients and the health care system.