Drug prices rise again as hundreds of medications get more expensive

Prescription drug prices rose again at the start of the year, affecting patients and their families nationwide.

Drugmakers increased prices on more than 350 prescription medications in the U.S., according to an analysis reported by Reuters. The hikes took effect in January and affect treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, and other chronic illnesses.

While some increases were relatively small, others were much larger and can quickly add up for patients. Many of the medications affected have no generic alternatives, leaving patients with few options.

The pharmaceutical industry points to rising costs and market pressures to justify the increases. For patients, the impact is immediate and personal: higher prices at the pharmacy counter and tougher decisions about care.

The federal government has taken steps in recent years to address prescription drug costs, including allowing Medicare to negotiate prices for certain medications and limiting insulin costs for some patients. However, those changes apply to a limited number of drugs and do not prevent widespread price increases.

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