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Drug price increases slow down in second quarter

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Oct. 9, 2006

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Manufacturers' prices of prescription drugs commonly used by older Americans increased by 0.5% in the second quarter of 2006, compared with 4.3% for the first quarter, says an AARP survey released in September. But those drug prices still increased by an average of 6.3% for the 12 months ending in June. The inflation rate was 3.8% for the same period.

For the six months ending in June, the 5 mg dose of the sleeping aid Ambien led all price increases, with a 13.3% jump. The survey covered 193 brand-name drugs widely used by Americans ages 50 or older.

"Frustration over this issue will lead to action," said David Sloane, AARP senior managing director of government relations and advocacy. The surveys are online (link).

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/10/09/gvbf1009.htm.

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