4. Regulation of pricing is just as important for generic drugs as it is for brand-name drugs

• Pricing of brand name drugs is regulated by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB). As of yet, the PMPRB has no authority to regulate the prices of non-patented generic drugs. There is no national pricing control for generic drugs.
• Regulation of pricing is especially important as a number of major brand-name drugs come off patent over the next few years (e.g., Lipitor). Lower prices for generic prescription drugs extended across all types of plans would provide savings to not only Ontarians insured by the ODB, but to employees in the private-sector with health benefit plans, as well as to those without plans who have to pay out of their own pockets.

5. Lower drug pricing is important to the sustainability of quality health care in Canada

• Prescription drugs are a medical necessity to maintain and restore health. The inability to afford drugs means that individuals go without, resulting in more serious medical conditions and loss of time from work. This, in turn, results in additional costs to the health care system in the form of hospital stays and frequent visits to medical offices and emergency rooms.
• A recent survey reported by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in Ontario indicates that as many as one in four residents (25%) have walked away from the pharmacy counter without filling their prescription due to its cost.

6. There is a need for greater transparency in the cost of prescriptions

• Ontario consumers should receive information about the costs of their prescriptions to assist them before they make their purchase. The prescription drug price includes ­ the drug cost, a mark-up and a dispensing fee.