One of the very first drugs to be manufactured and distributed was Morphine. Morphine is a drug sourced primarily in either opium or concentrated poppy straw and was first introduced in the 1800s.
One of the most famous patent medicines of the time was a concoction called Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup Bottle, which was first manufactured in 1845. The low cost of this elixir catered to the masses, who could not afford to see a physician.
Patent Medicines were heavily advertised and falsely promoted. One advertisement for the morphine based formula read “It Soothes the Child, Softens the Gums, Allays all Pain, Cures Wind and Colic, and is the Best Remedy for Diarrhea.” Many parents in the 1800s and early 1900s were not even made aware of the morphine and alcohol contained within the bottled concoction they were giving to their infants and children.
In the end, Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup was heavily criticized due to widespread drug addiction and death among children. It was eventually withdrawn from sale in 1930.
While many things have changed throughout the evolution of the prescription industry, one thing remains; massive efforts to advertise and promote medications. The manufacturing of prescription medications, while beneficial to the public, is also a business, and as such, makes money. In fact, prescription manufacturing is a highly profitable industry. By 2022, total prescription drug revenues are expected to reach over one trillion US dollars.
Now more than ever it is critical to protect against the rising cost of prescription drugs. In 2017, without prescription coverage, a person will pay an average of 45% higher for their prescriptions than those with coverage.
Changes in the overall healthcare industry, due to various new government programs designed with the intention of helping the American public, have caused a lot of confusion in the marketplace for companies and consumers alike. While these programs have created coverage for people who need it, insurance companies have either had to raise their premiums to prohibitive levels, or exit the marketplace entirely.
Serious consideration needs to be given to find creative and affordable solutions. Here at PRAM Insurance Services, Inc.’s, we are one of the only providers in the nation of fully-insured isolated prescription drug programs. In this time of uncertainty, the products provided through our programs provide the security of low cost coverage and guaranteed issue.
Call us today for a quote!