Manufacturing of the asthma and COPD drug Foradil Aerolizer (Formoterol Fumarate) will be discontinued, according to an announcement by the Food and Drug Administration.
In an advisory dated Oct 21, the FDA says Novartis (which manufactures the drug) and Merck have jointly decided to voluntarily discontinue the manufacture of Foradil Aerolizer “for business reasons.”
The agency anticipates that inventory will be exhausted and no longer distributed in or around January 2016, though inventory may be exhausted earlier.
“Healthcare providers are encouraged to identify an appropriate alternative treatment as soon as possible,” the FDA alert says.
More information is available on FDA.gov.
My wife has been taking Foradil for many years, what is the Recommended alternative medication.
did you fine a substitue, i need help,
thank you
They don’t care about us that is the only one that has helped me
Symbicort (sp?) is supposed to be a combo of Foradil and another cortico steroid with it. So it might be the only alternative as long a Medicare pays for it.
have been taking foradil along time for my copd and it was the only med that kept things under control my dr. is to hateful and lazy to find a differant med for me said id have to wait until sept when i have an appointment to see him before he will get me on different med thank god i still have inhalers to help was told if gets bad go to hosp
I just found out it was discontinued. My Dr has prescribed a new drug that I will have to use a nebulizer brand new on the market. Get ride of the dr
You can find this in Canada
I’ve been taken it for many years and it’s one that actually helps. My drug store just informed me that they can no longer get it! What now??? I have 3 days left…..
I am in the same boat, except my pharmacy just kept reporting (and I am sure this is what they were being told) that the drug was “on back order.” That implies that it will be available–sometime. It really fries me that the pharmacy and my doctor weren’t informed of this–a decision that was made 9 months ago!! I called Merck (who, though Novartis is the manufacturer, apparently is somehow involved in the distribution–and was definitely involved in the decision to discontinue it in the US), and they said that it will not be avail;able in the US, BUT, it appears that it will be available in Canada–and it looks like it will cost less than I have been spending (even with insurance!). I will be doing the Canada mail-order thing if at all possible. One thing about Merck that is really irritating is the statement on their home page that they “believe that no one should go without the medicines they need.” Yeah, right, so long as that doesn’t interfere with their marketing plan.
Seems to me that there is absolutely no compassion nor concern for patients depending on Foradil on Merck’s part. They don’t seem to care how much we depend on this drug to help us through the day…to help us breathe easier and thus lead a more normal life. They are only interested in making money. But that really is the “name of the game” for all of these drug companies, isn’t it?
My Dr has put me on Symbicort.
It is a combination of the two drugs that are more commonly known as Foradil and Pulmicort. Look it up and do comparison.
There is a slight curve as the amounts are slightly different, less Foradil, more Pulmicort, but it may be ok. Just started on it.
Symbicort is a combination of Foradil and Pulmicort, and is used for both COPD and asthma.
Merck just screwed every user of Foradil. It’s the only thin that works for me and thousands of others. Everything else I’ve ised puts me to sleep within 4 hours of taking it, or gives me rashes. Foradil has the least side effects, is quick acting and lasts all day. Merck just wasn’t makin enough money on it. These thieving bastards will come out with the same product under a different name for twice the price. And our chicken — president and our over paid government don’t care. These things don’t affect them. This reeks of “the stockholders want more money” an Merck sticking up the ass of the general public to please them.
I totally agree with you. Foradil worked fabulously. My doctor put me on Symbicort, but it is a steroid and Foradil wasn’t.
My wife has COPD, asthma and has been taking Foradil for quite some time and it helped her breathing signficantly. Now the alternative med. does not work. We are very angry at Merck. They are endangering people’s lives.
I also have been on Foradil. A fantastic medicine. My doctor has now prescribed Symbicort, but it is a steroid. So every time I have to take it I have to rinse my mouth out with water. It seems to be working okay, but really miss the Foradil. Figures the pharmaceutical company will do this. Only want a profit.
This really bites! My mother-in-law is 91 and depends on her Floridil for her life/threatening asthma. She is unable to take other meds because of side effects. Shame in these companies who play with people’s lives!!!
Why r u taking foradil off the market …r u guys trying to kill us that depend on this drug ….I have had asthma since I was 42 …I got on this drug a few years ago and it’s the only drug that doesn’t have side effects and I can breathe very good ….u guys are celebrating your 125 anniversary …I won’t be celebrating my 65th ….put this drug back on the market …it’s not fair u just decide u aren’t going to manufacture it …why did u buy it from Norvas …if u were going to do this …to me this is going to be a medical ermercency ….I tried a lot of different meds and they don’t work or I get sick from them ….please reconsider …I don’t want to die I have grandkids who want me around …I read a lot of sites and there is a lot of people in the same position …it should be against the law for drug companies to just stop making a good drug …how about taking off the bad drugs …like leviquinn ….I just about died taking that …alergy my face swollen lips …it was horrible …Maybe u guys should look at the right drugs to take off the market …money’s more important to u all in stead of lives …I’m so upset …I’m doomed no doubt …or I’ll feel sick adain taking something else ….
My Wife has COPD and was on Foradil or 11 years. All of a sudden it was no longer available, in January. During the past 6 months her ability to breath has decreased dramatically. Other drugs we have tried are just not working. What gives these pharmaceutical companies the right to endanger people’s lives? Isn’t there something legally we can do to get them to start making the medicine again?
My doctor has had me on Foradil for years, in combination with Flovent. Since the discontinuation of Foradil, my doctor switched me to Serevent Diskus. In the TWO WEEKS since I started Serevent I’ve had a noticeable deterioration in my breathing. If Merck can’t make the money for a
‘name brand” any more, why isn’t a generic available to replace it? Affordable Healthcare??? Can you say “OXYMORON”? Sure, I knew you could.
Just great. Now What… I am scared and Foradil was the only thing and I knew it would help me. My doctor suggested 3 different ones but none has an Aerolizer. With COPD I need something and I work so I just can’t curl up and die. Why couldn’t they just leave a good thing alone. HELP Merke…
Please help…I am scared with this not available. My doctor gave the name of 3 different ones but none have an Aerolizer. So I am screwed. Merck please help me.
You can get it in Canada
Dear Sir:
Please me. I want Serevent Diskus, pro air Click, Combivent Respimat, don’t work. I like Foradil, Please.
Sincerely,
Dotti
My 20 year old daughter has been taking Foradil for over a year to combat her severe asthma. It truly has been the only medication she’s taken in the past 10 years that has given her immediate results. I’m praying there’s another inhaled medication out there that will give her the same results. There’s so many people that struggle with respiratory problems, and when they come across a medication that finally works for them, they become panicked when someone takes freedom to breath away. I’m a Registered Nurse, so I’ve seen a lot of people with big time respiratory issues over the past 25 years. It’s extremely sad. When you live with someone with extreme respiratory issues and they’re finally on a medication that works, you just sit back and watch them finally be able to enjoy life because they can breath more freely. I just ask that the pharmaceutical companies will hear their cries for help and let the physicians know of an equivalent medication to Foradil.
My mom is 90yrs old and has COPD and foradil is the only med that keeps her breathing better. I am very scared for her,this is not fair at all. Spiriva is not working for her and neither is Symbicort. My mom needs her foradil!!!!
Please bring back foradil. This is not fair to my 90yr mom or to others.
If they are not going to make this anymore sell it so another company so they can make a generic for it. They are leaving to many people out here in the cold.
I totally agree..
For idol makers had 1 recall and threw in the towel. They are in for the money not to save our lives. I am going to ask my Dr. about the Canada pharmacy and about Perforomist.
I want to add my voice, as one of the many, many people who have found relief for over a decade with Foradil. I am angry they will simply stop making this. In the end, the makers will wind up getting sued, and having to pay out billions to the families of those like me, who now have a significantly higher chance of dying of lung disease, since some most certainly will die – and they knew it, and went ahead anyway, to save money this quarter. A huge precedent exists here – ask Ford about the Pinto. Over $20 million dollar penalty for each death they caused in that case.
You are an idiot. A company stopping production of a drug doesn’t not give you any rights. I suppose you think you should be able to force people to do what you want.
My wife who suffers from asthma uses foradil and is not happy about its discontinuation. But I don’t threaten to sue people for not enraging in businesses that I’d like.
Maybe you should figure out why the company decided to stop producing it. Probably due to government price controls or lack off Medicare coverage. Companies don’t stop making something if they make money on it so obviously some government loser bureaucrat made it bad business to make foradil.
It’s a little late to sue after someone dies, but I get the point. If this is a medication that helps millions of people, to just take it off the market for ‘business reasons’ is unacceptable. They could sell it to someone else, unless they are just doing a little R&R so they can repackage it. I don’t know. But if it’s been long enough to go Generic then that’s what should be allowed to happen and let someone else start making it. I know they make some medicine now that is a combo, but it might not work as well since the dosages might be less than when taking 2 separate medications. That being said, give the new ones a chance to work too. But if this company has stopped making it, and other companies use it and another medication, then obviously someone is still making it. I just hope my insurance will cover it. I can’t get Medicare to cover a lot of the new drugs still under their patent protection.
All the above comments could be me!!! SYMBICORT IS not working for me ! HELP!!!
Almost all the effective placements for Foradil use a corticosteroid component. At one point in taking these I completely lost my voice–dysphonia. I was almost a year before I regained full ability to talk, and my singing voice has never fully recovered. I need an alternative that does not contain any corticosteroid. I do not like choosing between breathing and speaking.
maybe when people die they will get the message i say sue the sorry assholes
I agree this is the one thing that helped me…
Why did you discontinue the Foradil that is the only one that helped me
Same for me. I am in panick mode. I have no more foradil left. May end up in ER tonight.
Please suggest an alternative medication to replace To radio.
Why did they discontinue this is the only one that helped me so why did you discontinue
I have been trying to find a forum like this to discuss alternatives to foradil–like so many here foradil was the only medication that helped my emphysema significantly. I was hoping to find some one that has found an alternative. my Doctor “just doesn’t get it” He has given me samples of ANORO, AND A FEW OTHERS THAT ALMOST KILLED ME. I just got a sample of Symbicort and hope this works for me. It sounds like it doesn’t work for others here. I am on my last tabs of foradil and am scared I won’d be able to find a substitute. I even went on the web to find out if I could find “formoterol fumarate” (active ingrediant) to buy in bulk to make my own–Can’t find it–If any else can let me know-
I am switching to Serevent. It used to work for me before they took that off the market, as well. Apparently it’s now being made again.
Hello,
Foradil is not a steroid, like many other Aerolizers are, an issue we should all be much aware of.
I’ve been using Foradil now for about twenty yrs, and it has always worked for me, both in the COLD and HOT Weather, with my LUNG Disorder.
I just learned of it to be discontinued, and wonder why.
WOW, I’ll keep searching to find out why it’s being discontinued, and post it, as soon as I know why.
In the meantime, folks, eat less, and walk more.
Ginger helps with LUNG disorders, and stretch daily, to help with your LUNG disorders.
a HOT POT with GINGER, cover it with a rag, and use it to inhale the fumes, to clear your LUNGS.
Do this a few times a week, and you’ll feel you lungs clearing.
GOD’s Blessings
Blessings
Blessings
Blessings
joey
Found out you can still get foradil in Canada. Just ordered it for my wife last night. Get a prescription from the doctor, call Canada Drugs and fax over the prescription and a voided check and with paying extra for expedited service, should have it in 5-7 days. They still make and distribute it, just not in the states. Guessing the greedy bastards weren’t making enough money on it here.
Tom
What is the cost from Canada?
I was also on Foradil for 15 yrs or so plus the past few years they make you add a steroid too.
New drug I researched and my Doc ordered today to replace Foradil: PERFOROMIST nebulizer solution with the same ingredient as Foradil. I don’t mind using a nebulizer, infact it usually helps me more.
Important…it is EXPENSIVE!! (eye-opening PRICY!) Just wanted to warn you. Medicare can run through part B if that is cheaper than D. (especially if you are 65+)
Good luck. I’m sad for all of us!
I was using for foradil for many years and it has also saved my life even after being intubated 11 times as soon as they take the tube out my breathing was still acting up so I would sneak and take it I thank God I still have like 3 boxes left but my dr had me on xloir shots every two weeks I have not had to visit the hospital since and I use To go every other day even though today I got out of breath and had to use my foradil but for most I’m thankful for the xloir it’s the best yet
I have used Foradil for years. I have asthma and CoPD. This is the only medication that helps keep my breathing under control. I am very anxious and have a only a few capsules left. I have tried Spiriva and did not work. My doctor is suggesting BREO, but I am not confident this will work for me. I am very sad they quit making Foradil. It is causing me much anxiety.
I agree and am in the same boat. I will say that I once had to use Salmeterol when I was unable to get Foradil for a few weeks due to manufacturing problems and it seemed to work pretty well. In fact that is the only other inhaled medication I’ve used that didn’t cause me serious thrush or spasm issues. You might talk to your doctor about giving that a try.
They still distribUte it. Just not in the states. Canada
Just found out today that foradil has been discontinued. I too have been taking it for years and it has been working. I am allergic to symbicort, albuterol and a couple of other drugs. I am really at a loss. I was lucky today and found a pharmacy that had a box on hand. So at least I am covered for the month. Going to check on the Canadian pharmacy to see what I can do there.
I just found out that I it has been discontinued and not from my Dr.
It always worked fantastic and for the past few nights I would have had to go to the ER if I had not found a few doses of foradil.
Nothing else works. Did u find something? Thx
I was on Foradil 12 mcg + spiriva 18 mcg once each daily for over 16 years and all worked well. I found the same ingrediants in Duova at two different dosages one of which is the same as I was taking. The catch is it is produced in India and will require internet ordering if you trust it. Try ForDailyMedicine. Good luck.
Hi, I’ve been on Pulmicort/Foradil combo for a very long time. My Dr. has switched me to Breo. I’ve been taking it now for about 5 days. It works Ok during the day, but at night I have problems breathing. I wake up in a panic. I have Paroxymal SupraVentricular Tachycardia(PSVT)a heart condition. I have to be careful about he medications I take so that my heart doesn’t get out of rhythem. The Foradil and Pulmicort combo helped my breathing but caused severe weight gain. But as long as I can breathe at night the best has been the foradil along with the Pulmicort. All the alternatives so far cause heart problems for me. My Dr. is hoping that BREO will do the trick, but I’m not convinced, I’ve had to use my rescue inhaler at night about twice each night so far. This in itself causes my heart to speed up. My Dr. told me that I was in the minority where Foradil is concerned, not enough people are taking it she guessed. She said that that was the reason it was removed from the market, they can’t make enough money off of the number of presciptions sold. My pharmacy was told up until a week ago that it was being back ordered, then my Dr. had to call and found out that it wasn’t being manufactured anymore because it was more expensive to make and they weren’t making enough to keep it going.I guess money is more important than peoples lives. I’ve tried all the alternative meds my Dr. suggested before they found the combo of Foradil/Pulmicort that actually worked for me including Symbicort(not enough Foradil in it I guess). So if this doesn’t work, the Dr. says a nebulizer is the only thing left for me. I’m not sure about it. She says it will be difficult to get the exact medications combined that I need. Here’s hoping that the BREO will build up in my system enough to side step this. I’m praying it will anyway, otherwise, I guess I will meet my maker sooner than I thought. Good luck to everyone. I did find out by reading your posts that my Dr. was wrong, I’m not the minority after all. Good luck to all of you and the family members that need this medication as I do. God Bless, he’s our last alternative.
I too am upset that they stopped making Foradil. I am surprised they put you on Breo since you were taking pulmicort and foradil. I am taking symbicort now which is pulmicort and the drug found in foradil. Maybe you could try it.
Funny. I go to the World Trade Center clinic where I was prescribed Foradil and took it for 12 yrs. Was I the only person out of thousands of First Responders taking foradil?
I am also on foradil and can’t find a
replacement. Everything else makes me sick
with nose bleeds and sore throat. Please
notify me when a replacement is found.
I live in Arizona and go into Mexico where I can buy Foradil manufactured by NOVARTIS. looks the same. Cost about $30.00 each box
You can buy it in Canadian made by same manufacturer Novartis. They ship right to your house. Hopefully your Dr. will be willing to work with faxing your RX there – I get 2 drugs from Canada – have for years.
I have been using Foradil successfully for many years. It was my stand-by support for asthma and reactive airways. I do not have COPD but found this dry powder puffer to be the best. Foradil has been discontinued in the U.S. but not in Canada so far. I wrote emails to Novartis and Health Canada but so far, there are no reports re. discontinuation.However, in order to be prepared with something in the event that it IS discontinued, I have been doing a trial with OnBrez, a drug of the same family as Foradil. It too is a dry powder inhaler. However, it is one puff every 24 hours. It seems to work as well or better. It is primarily a drug for COPD but was prescribed to me as a replacement for Foradil. If you are searching for something similar, this might be the one for you as well. It relaxes the muscles surrounding the small breathing tubules and seems to give good relief.
The research has not been done for its use with asthmatics but I am doing my own trials and it seems to be working very well. Just want you all to know that this might be the right choice for you as well. They are both LABAs…long-acting-beta-antagonists, not for rescue inhalation response as they don’t work that quickly. I used QVAR, a steroid puffer with Foradil but it seems I may not need it with OnBrez. So far, it gives good relief.
Hi Chris = thanks for your post. I too am getting my Foradil in Canada but also concerned that the source might dry up – Where are you getting your ON-BREZ from? USA or Canadian? Thanks so much for the suggestion. Susan
I tried Dulera when Foradil stopped being sold in the U.S. and this combination medication (LABA & steroid) wasn’t a good med for me. Then tried OnBrez, which is sold as “Arcapta Neohaler” in the U.S. OnBrez/Aracapta Neohaler feels like alcohol mist hitting my lungs – I react terribly to it. Me-thinks Novartis stopped distributing Foradil to force patients into using Dulera or other fomoterol combo meds, or the newer OnBrez/Aracapta Neohaler. Foradil worked well for a lot of patients so I hope they rethink this “business decision.”
Ordering from Canada isn’t that easy. I purchased once from them and it took a month of mickey mousing around. The medication is not manufactured in Canada. They are a drug broker and they mostly get it from Turkey. Turkey has been out of stock for 2 months. ??? How can a whole country be out of stock? Eventually they found some in England and Australia, but they changed the price (after they took the amount out of my checking account), by reducing the amount that they sent me (from a 3 month to a 2 month supply). I wonder if these drugs are black market. It seems to work well, but it feels a little shady. I need to reorder, but I’m not confident in what I’ll get. This is the ONLY medication that helps me (or make me worse).
I have the same problem as you sounds like with asthma. I took Foradil probably 15 years & it was a God send for me. You mentioned Onbrez and I was wondering if it is still working good for you? All my Doctor did when I could no longer get Foradil was put me on a 2mg tablet of Albuterol & it doesn’t do very much good. I’m going to have to find something better. let me know how Onbrez worked for you..thanks..Don
I was switched to Perforamist and am now having issues with my heart..messes with ventricular fib..and other heart issues…supposed to work like Foradil but not for me..Dt offers no alternative..says to prepare for the end or living on a machine.. The FDA says foradil caused too many asthma deaths.. i dont believe it.
Mylan is who makes Perforamist moved HDQ to Netherlands to block a takeover by TEVA in 2014.dont know where drug is made..same company that raised price of Epipen ny 400%. The CEO is daughter of Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginià
Got quick approval from FDA after testing for 2 weeks..per the insert
She got a pay increase from about 2.5 mil as COO to 19 mil as the CEO.
My question is if the ingredients in Perforamist are same.. Why did it make me ill and danage my heart ? What is different about delivering it in liquid form?.. Foradil didn’t hurt me.
They’ll give Perforamist to you for free if you go through Needy Meds. I must say, beware of free gifts. I hope it doesnt hurt you like it did me.I am in Gods hands now..and looking for a miracle. You can have your own stem cells used to repair lungs but insurance wil not pay for it.Very expensive.God bless you all
Foradil was an excellent medication that I have used for at least 20 yrs. My asthma has been controlled due to Foradil.
Dulera is similar but I have to take 3-4 puffs to be equivalent to Foradil then you get too much steroid. Someone send me the Canada Pharmacy address .
Please bring back Foradil- too many people really need it.
Foradil discontinued for business reasons. No pro lems with the drug.
I refuse to take steroids. Merk needs to reevaluate this decision. It’s life threatening with no recommended like type drug named. I’m going to their website for comment if possible. Wow what a bummer. People who have become dependant thrown to the cemetery.
It is Novartis. I wrote to them and got the same response. It’s a business decision. Look at the 3 companies that were caught paying bribe money to Michael Cohen. Surprise!
My dad has been taking this medication for 16 years. He cannot find this medication anymore at any pharmacy. He is now in the hospital with complications with his copd. He is having a copd flare up. This medication had helped him tremendously. Now he can barely breath and I’m terrified. Any help with finding this medication for him is greatly appreciated. I’m so scared to lose my dad! Please help!!!
I loved Foradil. Worked great. Now I have switched to Advair and now am losing my voice.
Can someone please provide a link to a Canadian on-line Rx store? I want to switch back.
HI I also loved Foradil and NOTHING else really works…. Did u get it in a canadian Rx? If so can u pls share e the info. Thanks!
We just got off the phone with Canada Drugs. They do have Foradil. They are able to ship it from the UK which can take up to 28 days.
Or you can get Foradil produced in Canada with expired shipping for an additional 25.00.
We weren’t comfortable giving our checking information to them and asked to do it by Credit Card for protection.
The catch….they only take American Express. No other credit cards or debit cards…
Did they bring back foradil …omg ….I hope so …so many people suffering ….please tell
Me they really bringing it back …..I to am going to be so sick …I’m using out dated ones now ….struggling to keep Some of that medicine on hand …..
I buy Foradile (Foradil in US) from Global Pharmacy in Canada. The Canadian pharmacies are mostly middlemen and buy from sources around the world. Mine is a product of Novartis Australia. Delivery is round about and finally ships out of Germany. It costs $60.00 + $12.00 shipping for 30 day supply and takes about 15 days from when they place the order. I had my doctor write a Rx for 120 capsules so I wouldn’t worry about the turnaround time. It works just like the Foradil that I was getting from the VA.
I started using Arcapta after they discontinued it. You take it only once a day. It seems to help almost as much as the Forafil. I feel for all of you!!! When something works you don’t want it to go away and have to struggle. We depend so much on medication to be able to breathe which most people take for granted. I too lose my voice on the other medications. Hope this helps!
I had been using Foradil for many years with great control of my Asthma. Once it was discontinued, I was prescribed Dulera and am now loosing my voice, not to mention using my Albuterol rescue inhaler several times a day. I called Merk earlier in the year to report my concerns, was referred to the adverse reaction number, sent a form to fill out in the mail. I truly believe Merk doesn’t really care how many of us suffer, it was a financial decision apparently.
Looking for Foradil.
I have found the same medication as Foradil (formoterol fumarate) available online from Universal Drugstore in Canada. It is called Oxeze, delivered in a turn-and-click turbuhaler that is easier than loading Foradil capsules. Oxeze comes in several different strengths, so be sure you order the right dose. Per the website, it is made by Astra Zeneca Canada and shipped from Canada, which I am much more comfortable with than medications from other countries abroad. My doctor verified my prescription with Universal Drugstore, and their pharmacist/doc issues it. It is not covered by my U.S. medical insurance, so I pay out of pocket. I set up ACH payments from my checking account with them, and it has worked very well. You need to allow several weeks for the ordering, payment, and shipping process. I’ve been getting Oxeze from this source ever since Foradil was discontinued and am very satisfied with it. Foradil + Flovent have worked well for my asthma for many years. I’ve heard consistently from many sources that if your lung condition is bad enough that you need a LABA (vs. occasional rescue inhaler), you should always be taking a corticosteroid inhaler along with it to address the inflammation in your airways.
I took Foradil and a steroid inhaler for over ten years and was doing great- even deployed as a contractor with a supply and was fine. Been on symbicort and irritable since a couple months after the VA quit the others cold turkey and if I hadn’t had a small reserve I’d have been in trouble. It is not as good as the two separate drugs where I could reduce the amount of the steroid and be happy. I don’t breathe as easy on symbicort and an find myself more grouchy than usual. I hate it but it’s not like the VA is going to advocate getting Foradil back.
As a volunteer at the World Trade Center I was on Foradil for 12 yrs. Now I am bouncing from steroid to steroid, not able to find one that doesn’t destroy my eyes and take all of my energy away. I just made a call to the dr. to give me something that doesn’t have me lying on the couch every day. If you will notice, Novartis – the maker of foradil was one of 3 companies sending bribe money to Michael Cohen. The drug was cancelled in the US when “Obamacare” became the law. Coincidence? I wrote to Novartis, explaining that the World Trade Center clinic patients used and needed Foradil and asked if they could at least allow the clinic access to the drug. Their response – “This was a business decision”. Nice, huh? I thought the patients comfort and health was the priority of these drug companies. Surprise! Despicable.