![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 40. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phil on January 12, 2003, at 18:21:29
I may start posting with that: DCS
http://www.kvue.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D7OG583G0.html
Comments???
Posted by rayww on January 12, 2003, at 18:45:29
In reply to Drug companies suck, posted by Phil on January 12, 2003, at 18:21:29
> I may start posting with that: DCS
>
> http://www.kvue.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D7OG583G0.html
>
> Comments???I can't get into the site, but even without reading it, I can say, I agree with you. But it's like everything else nowadays - - the producer and the consumer are getting ripped off by the superpowers in the middle.
Posted by Phil on January 12, 2003, at 19:00:45
In reply to Re: Drug companies suck » Phil, posted by rayww on January 12, 2003, at 18:45:29
GlaxoSmithKline May Stop Sales to Canada
01/11/2003
by THERESA AGOVINO / Associated Press
Responding to the growing popularity of cheaper Canadian drugs among U.S. consumers, GlaxoSmithKline is threatening to stop supplying wholesalers and retailers in that country unless they cease their cross-border sales.Glaxo is the first major U.S. drug maker to take such action. Some Canadian companies were angered by the warning.
"I think this is outrageous and draconian. It is international blackmail," said Laurie Gauthier, operations manager of Prairie Supply, a wholesaler in Calgary.
For years, some U.S. citizens — particularly the elderly who lived near the border — have taken their prescriptions to be filled in Canada, where drug prices are kept significantly lower by government regulation. Some groups even organized regular bus trips.
Pharmaceutical companies did not appear overly worried — until the activity spread nationwide through the Internet and storefronts began opening up in some U.S. cities, offering to arrange shipment of prescriptions.
In a letters sent earlier this month to wholesalers and some pharmacies, Glaxo said it would stop supplying drugs by Jan. 21 to those who knowingly sell to U.S. customers. It asked for proof that the selling had stopped.
The letter said the company feared drugs could be harmed in the shipping process and that Americans buying drugs in Canada weren't being properly supervised by doctors.
Glaxo spokeswoman Mary Anne Rhyne says the move isn't designed to deprive patients of drugs. She also contended that it was not motivated by any concern of losing more profitable sales of drugs in the United States.
"This is a very big issue and safely is a genuine concern," said Rhyne.
She said Glaxo was concerned that the number and size of companies engaged in cross-border sales, now limited, might grow. "These are still small enterprises but we are hoping to avoid bigger problems in the future," she said. She declined to say what Glaxo's revenues in Canada total.
Gauthier said he wasn't sure yet whether he would comply with Glaxo's demand, which he saw as financially driven.
"Glaxo would rather sell their drugs in America because they cost more in America," he said.
A congressman from one border state, U.S. Rep. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, condemned Glaxo's move.
"This seriously jeopardizes the health and well-being of thousands of Americans," Sanders said. He said Canada's pharmaceutical industry was well-regulated and that purchases there by U.S. citizens had been going on for years without problems.
He said he will introduce legislation to try to stop Glaxo after Congress reconvenes, which is past Glaxo's deadline. His office planned to contact the drug maker on Monday to ask them to reconsider.
Sanders said he feared other pharmaceutical companies would take the same step.
A spokesman for Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drug company, said it had no plans for any similar warning.
Gauthier said that, over the past few months, he has received several letters from other pharmaceutical companies saying their products weren't intended for export but none threatened to cut off supply.
GlaxoSmithKline's plans upset Carol Jackson, a retired baker in Montezuma, Kan., who buys three drugs, including Glaxo anti-inflammatory Relafen, through www.crossborderpharmacy.com.
"I feel like the drug companies are trying to hold me hostage," she said. "I think it is my constitutional right to go out and find the lowest price I can, and how they are taking that away from me."
She says she and her husband live on a strict, limited budget funded through Social Security and pensions. And while buying drugs is a struggle, they still earn too much to qualify for assistance programs.
"Glaxo's move is going to hurt a lot of people," Jackson said.
Posted by bookgurl99 on January 13, 2003, at 4:49:36
In reply to Re: Drug companies » rayww, posted by Phil on January 12, 2003, at 19:00:45
Wow. I am going to let Glaxo know that this is not cool.
I am so p****ed off. Like they're not making enough money as it is? Everyone in the country uses a glax product.
It's not capitalism when it's a monopoly. And not when you _need_ the product to have a normal life.
If only people voted with their compassion instead of their fear.
Posted by Phil on January 13, 2003, at 6:30:36
In reply to Re: Drug companies, posted by bookgurl99 on January 13, 2003, at 4:49:36
I couldn't find their email so I guessed and sent one to David Stout at gsk dot com, he's the president of the co.
I hope we all write. We should do something.
Posted by gabbix2 on January 13, 2003, at 15:42:14
In reply to Re: Drug companies » bookgurl99, posted by Phil on January 13, 2003, at 6:30:36
Phil I haven't checked that link yet.. I will
and I'm sure I'll feel I want to write too trusting your judgement. Those are the things that make me feel so angry and powerless I can't sleep at night I'll wait until I get my benzo refill.I saw one site a couple of weeks ago which opened with flowers and smiling people, advertising new A.D.s. I've forgotten the link, Trauma induced amnesia I think.
It actually had music accompanying the gauzy ad just to top things off. It was a muzac version of "You are the wind beneath my wings"
I honestly thought it must be a parody.
I realized it wasnt..If I find the link I'll post it really only because I'm afraid people will think I'm making this up.
Oh but we're all pretty cynical here, maybe I don't have to.
Posted by jay on January 13, 2003, at 16:40:12
In reply to Re: Drug companies » rayww, posted by Phil on January 12, 2003, at 19:00:45
Hey..we got TONS o' room up here, and it's still fairly clean and safe. If you like our drug regulations and the cheap prices they provide...come support the cause! Or, become a dual-citizen, or just come up and decide to vacation '11 out of 12' months a year here or something. Bring a tent and you can camp out at our amazing provincial and national parks.Your Canuckian Friend,
~Jay
Posted by Phil on January 13, 2003, at 18:39:07
In reply to Move to Canada..:-), posted by jay on January 13, 2003, at 16:40:12
>
> Hey..we got TONS o' room up here, and it's still fairly clean and safe. If you like our drug regulations and the cheap prices they provide...come support the cause!I like several of Canada's drug policies.
Or, become a dual-citizen, or just come up and decide to vacation '11 out of 12' months a year here or something. Bring a tent and you can camp out at our amazing provincial and national parks.I know I would love the country. I've thought aboot it many times but grew up in Texas and my roots are deep. Thanks for the invitation.
As for camping, I would freeze my ying-yang off and no telling what else. But you never know.
Phil
>
> Your Canuckian Friend,
> ~Jay
Posted by justyourlaugh on January 14, 2003, at 8:08:43
In reply to Move to Canada..:-), posted by jay on January 13, 2003, at 16:40:12
hi fellow canadian.
i am from ontario.
we bought a motor last summer to enjoy the rest of our beautiful country.
we love the east(many roots there)
have a good day eh!
jyl
Posted by jay on January 14, 2003, at 9:08:08
In reply to Re: Move to Canada..:-), posted by Phil on January 13, 2003, at 18:39:07
> >
> > Hey..we got TONS o' room up here, and it's still fairly clean and safe. If you like our drug regulations and the cheap prices they provide...come support the cause!
>
> I like several of Canada's drug policies.
> Or, become a dual-citizen, or just come up and decide to vacation '11 out of 12' months a year here or something. Bring a tent and you can camp out at our amazing provincial and national parks.
>
> I know I would love the country. I've thought aboot it many times but grew up in Texas and my roots are deep. Thanks for the invitation.
>
> As for camping, I would freeze my ying-yang off and no telling what else. But you never know.
>
> PhilHey Phil,
Interesting, because I work with and have quite a few friends who have moved up from Texas over the past 10 years or so, here to Ontario. Many love the dual-citizenship thing, and some still have remained full Americans and can move back anytime to find work if they need. I live near the border, and I went to college in New York State (commuted).
It's actually not that cold up here either,(t.v. seems to have us all living in Igloos..!!) and if you ever get the chance, (your dollar would make it a very cheap vacation!), come on up. As my one friend put it, Canada is sorta 'U.S.A. Lite'...everything is just on a smaller scale.
P.S. I am a rabid meat eater, so you will have to bring tons of steak and ribs, if you don't mind. I'll leave a shipping addy for you.=) Sorry all you vegans out there...no rabbit food for me..heeheee.
Jay
Posted by jay on January 14, 2003, at 9:14:56
In reply to Re: Move to Canada..:-) » jay, posted by justyourlaugh on January 14, 2003, at 8:08:43
> hi fellow canadian.
> i am from ontario.
> we bought a motor last summer to enjoy the rest of our beautiful country.
> we love the east(many roots there)
> have a good day eh!
> jylHey JYL...
Yes I *love* the east, and have travelled right across Nova Scotia. I've flown across Canada both ways, and I was even thinking of taking a X-Canada trip over the next few summers. Life here in Ontario is just *too* urban, and I miss the small, quiet towns and the thousands of clean lakes. I camp up in Algonquin and on Lake Superior once every couple of summers, and would love to move up there. The peace...the sollitude...I think it would be SO much better for my mental health, too.=)
Take care..eh!
Jay ;-)
Posted by bookgurl99 on January 14, 2003, at 11:49:02
In reply to Move to Canada..:-), posted by jay on January 13, 2003, at 16:40:12
My gf and I are planning our move already. We're choosing careers partly based on what Canada wants in a 'skilled worker.' If the war in Iraq thing happens, though, we might try to come sooner as live-in caretakers. :D
how's vancouver?
Posted by IsoM on January 14, 2003, at 15:09:32
In reply to that's no joke! » jay, posted by bookgurl99 on January 14, 2003, at 11:49:02
I'm prejudiced - the greater Vancouver area is the best in Canada! Heck, you can even grow bananas outdoors here. (Not warm enough for long enough to really get much in the way of bananas but still...)
Right now as the rest of Canada & much of the US shiver in the cold, we're enjoying 8°C (that's 47°F) & last week we had the loveliest day at 15°C (60°F). I just went outside to pick some fresh catnip for my kitties. The grass never turns brown in winter - green all the time. If it snows briefly, after a few hours or days when it melts, the grass is still nicely green & fresh. It doesn't stop growing in winter, just slows way down. Many of my flowers are still growing (& blooming!). I'm still picking cilantro, parsley, chives, & thyme for my meals. You can garden here year round outside. Most days, I just wear sandals when I go out for shopping. Lots wear shorts year round (with a warmer top). The sun's shining now & life looks gorgeous outside. Even moths & flies buzzing around when it's sunny & warm.
I have two plants from the sub-tropicals that stay outside all year round. One is an Iochroma cyaneum, a shrub that's native to Bolivia,
http://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/plants/Iochroma.html
The other is Radermachera sinica (China doll, considered a houseplant!) that's native to Japan, China, & slightly cooler Southeast Asian countries. Given time, it grows into an impressive tree with hanging panicles of trumpet flared fragrant flowers. I don't think mine will get to that point though but I've had to prune it down a number of times - it's about 6 feet tall.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/plants/bignoniaceae/radermachera.jpg
(Sorry, you can see I'm a botany/horticultural freak.)The west coast is close by for scuba diving & surfing (there's clubs or societies for them here). The mountains are snow covered for snowboarding or skiing for many months. The area is a gardener's dream. It's a touch of Eden in Canada.
And as an extra for Jay - I ABSOLUTELY loved that Apple switch parody of the American who moved to Canada. Thanks! We do have the funniest Molson Canadian beer commercials & the Kokanee beer ads. I'd never charaterise ourselves as similar to Americans. We're much more laid back, relaxed, & don't take ourselves so seriously. Our humour tends to be drier, more like the British. Nor are we so openly & adamantly patriotic but we still love living here. It's a great place to settle in.
Strangely, while all people in the Western world are getting heavier, Canadians included, I've been told by *many*, both Canadian & American, that there's less Canadians who are overweight compared to Americans. Any idea why? I'm told the difference is quite noticeable.
Posted by Ginjoint on January 15, 2003, at 7:36:46
In reply to Canadian Living » bookgurl99, posted by IsoM on January 14, 2003, at 15:09:32
I'm underweight, I'm told I have a very dry sense of humor, I try very hard to laugh at myself whenever possible (even in the darkest moments), I read various international newspapers in an attempt to keep well-informed, and I'm 100% American. Hm. With almost 290 million people in my country, differences abound.
Ginjoint
Posted by jay on January 15, 2003, at 22:05:31
In reply to that's no joke! » jay, posted by bookgurl99 on January 14, 2003, at 11:49:02
> My gf and I are planning our move already. We're choosing careers partly based on what Canada wants in a 'skilled worker.' If the war in Iraq thing happens, though, we might try to come sooner as live-in caretakers. :D
>
> how's vancouver?Vancouver is nice...but pretty pricey. You don't want to end up living on the wrong side of town, because things are pretty scarry out there now...with the loads of cutbacks and such.
Montreal is nice, Halifax is nice...umm..Toronto..so/so. If you have a good job lined up before you come, you should do very well.
If you need any more specific info..I'd be glad to help you out! (As I am sure would my Canuck friends on here.)
Jay
Posted by IsoM on January 16, 2003, at 1:16:40
In reply to Re: that's no joke! » bookgurl99, posted by jay on January 15, 2003, at 22:05:31
Vancouver IS ridiculously priced, but if you want to live a short ways from the city towards the valley (less crowded & more & more people are opting for a quieter home outside the bustle of the city), housing's much more affordable unless you're looking for real up-scale places.
Posted by jay on January 16, 2003, at 5:36:42
In reply to Re: housing prices, posted by IsoM on January 16, 2003, at 1:16:40
IsoM, the only thing I don't like nowadays about B.C. is the politics..but I live in Ontario, and don't like it here either, so I guess it's inescapable across Canada these days.
IMHO...
Jay
Posted by cubbybear on January 16, 2003, at 9:35:09
In reply to Drug companies suck, posted by Phil on January 12, 2003, at 18:21:29
For all of you who think drug companies suck, you might be interested in my posting on the psycho babble board. I'll call it, "Ever Try Writing to A Drug Company?" I'm posting it on the other board since I think it's more pertinent to psycho babble. My post does not make for any earth-shattering revelations, (such as the latest gem about Glaxo) but you all might like to read about my own direct communications with Organon, Inc., mfr. of Remeron.
Posted by IsoM on January 16, 2003, at 12:10:42
In reply to Re: Vancouver and B.C. » IsoM, posted by jay on January 16, 2003, at 5:36:42
I'm waiting & watching now. Campbell's little run in with the law is making some political observers wonder if he'll soften his views somewhat. His popularity was extremely low before this incident; it's now hit a record low. Too often, one goes & another comes - from the frying pan into the fire. C'est la vie.
Posted by trouble on January 20, 2003, at 0:59:55
In reply to Re: that's no joke! » bookgurl99, posted by jay on January 15, 2003, at 22:05:31
>
> If you need any more specific info..I'd be glad to help you out! (As I am sure would my Canuck friends on here.)
>
> JayHey Jay,
Hi from Austin Texas. I've been thinkin about moving to Vancouver, but I understand you need a legitimate reason to get in there, the movers said they could'nt get my furniture across the border to Canada if i just wanted to live there for the heck of it. I'm on Social Security for my psych problems and work sporadically doing odd jobs. I truly can find no way in. Any ideas?
thank you for your assistance!trouble
Posted by IsoM on January 20, 2003, at 3:55:43
In reply to how the heck do you get in there?! » jay, posted by trouble on January 20, 2003, at 0:59:55
Robin, isn't your hubby-to-be Canadian? I got the impression he's a geologist working out on the west coast somewhere. If he's Canadian, you can move up here with him too.
Posted by coral on January 20, 2003, at 4:38:10
In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » trouble, posted by IsoM on January 20, 2003, at 3:55:43
Dear Trouble,
There was a show (I think 60 minutes) that showed that Canada was the easist place to move to. According to the show, you show up, ask for asylum and in about an hour, you're processed. Once you're there, your furniture could be shipped. The show was concerning terrorist cells in Canada so maybe they've tightened up the border. But, you might want to check out the show's archives.
Posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 7:09:51
In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?!, posted by coral on January 20, 2003, at 4:38:10
But then the question is, on what basis would she claim the need for asylum? Democrat in Texas maybe? Or, if they institute a draft for the war in Iraq, you could follow in the footsteps of those Vietnam War-era folks who fled to Canada.
:- )Anyway, I think since you wouldn't be displacing a worker, you could go as a visitor and then have your stuff shipped later. But I must acknowledge that I am rather ignorant on this subject.
Maybe you should call the Canadian embassy to inquire.
Posted by jay on January 20, 2003, at 20:40:03
In reply to how the heck do you get in there?! » jay, posted by trouble on January 20, 2003, at 0:59:55
I'd say contact your local Canadian Embassy..or visit the Immigration Canada website at:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.htmlThey even have on-line applications for a permanent resident..and yes things have become a little tougher in the past few years, but we still have a fairly good open immigration policy.
It's what has made Canada such a great country overall, as my grandfather was an immigrant from Denmark...so I am only a few generations away from being one! Let us know how you made out..and any further questions we can help you with.Best,
Jay
Posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 21:23:19
In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?!, posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 7:09:51
Democrat in Texas maybe?
That reminds me. I've got to scrape off my Mondale, Ferraro bumper sticker.
I've been worried about Gore since I saw him with that 'beard'.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.