Video Explainer: Why can’t I get a generic version of my drug?
Learn from advocates how brand-name drug companies block generic drugs from coming to pharmacy shelves.
Talk to anyone you know and they likely have a story about the cost of their prescription drugs. Most of us know the value of generic drugs – medicine that is equivalent to the brand-name drug, but much less expensive.
When drug companies misuse the patent system to amass dozens and dozens of patents and use other tricks to keep competitors off the market, we all pay more.
A video explainer of how generic drugs are blocked and how it hurts those who need prescription medicine.
Tell President Biden to stop drug patent abuse so we can save money on generic drugs
Tell President Biden to stop drug patent abuse so we can save money on generic drugs.
The Cost of Prescription Drug Patent Abuse
Topics
Authors
Patricia Kelmar
Senior Director, Health Care Campaigns, U.S. PIRG Education Fund
Patricia directs the health care campaign work for U.S. PIRG and provides support to our state offices for state-based health initiatives. Her prior roles include senior director of health policy with the National Consumers League, senior policy advisor at NJ Health Care Quality Institute, and consumer advocate at NJPIRG. She serves on the board of the Patient and Caregiver Engagement Advisory Group for the National Quality Forum. Patricia enjoys walks along the Potomac and sharing her love of books with her friends and family around the world.
Find Out More
A bad deal: Why you don’t want (medical credit) cards in your hand
Patient protections needed from medical credit cards
PIRG’s comments on the FTC Health Breach Notification Rule
