Arthritis drug that cost $198 in 2008 now tops $10,000

November 4, 2021

We’ve all heard outrageous stories about prescription medication cost increases. But here’s a doozy from reporter Bob Herman at Axios:

Indocin, a drug used to treat arthritis, is administered in rectal suppositories. In 2008, a box of 30 Indocin suppositories was priced at $198. Not cheap. But certainly not outrageous.

As of Oct. 1, 2021, that same box of 30 Indocin suppositories costs $10,350. That’s 52 times higher.

What gives?

According to Herman, Indocin has changed ownership a number of times since 2008 and the companies involved have raised Indocin’s price several times along the way.

The drug is currently owned by a company called Assertio, which has marked up Indocin’s price twice so far this year. The strategy has proved highly profitable, as Indocin sales hit $27.7 million in the first half of this year, representing more than half of Assertio’s revenue.

Reporter Herman reached out to the company requesting an interview, but Assertio did not respond.

Want to do something about rising Rx costs? Voices for Affordable Health has made it easy for you to send an email to your member of Congress. Use this link and make your voice heard today!