Feel financial pinch

I am an elderly retired widow living on a small fixed income. I went to my local pharmacy the first week in February for prescription refills, and boy, was I in for a shock.

I learned that two drugs I take had their prices raised. Even though I have Rx insurance, my isosorbide mononitrate (for chest pain) increased from $15 to $79.54, and metroprolol succinate (for high blood pressure) increased from $15 to $62.86. Both of these drugs have been on the market for many years, negating the need for their manufacturer to recover costs for R&D. Both drugs are named in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medications.

These increases (5.3 times for the first drug and 4.2 times for the second one) are nothing but for pure greed.

Senators Cotton and Boozman and Congressman Westerman, did Big Pharma lobbyists perhaps slip you something nice to allow these price increases? I am only one of the thousands of little people who expect you to protect us from immoral practices. I don’t have money to line your war chests, nor the political clout to swing your way. All I have is one mere vote which will go to the politician who can help me the most.

So instead of the former price of $30 when I need refills, I will be paying nearly $143. Since my income is fixed, I must give up other expenses—perhaps my Democrat-Gazette subscription and my DirecTV bill. But when other members of Big Pharma see how easy it is to quadruple its profits, what do I give up next?

The little people, who are slowly feeling the financial pinch while Congress fights over a wall, will eventually erupt. History has proven this time and again. Hopefully there is time for you to stir Congress into action that will benefit all of the people. Please see what you can do.

NONA P. DUMAS

Hot Springs