Free drugs

U.S. pharmaceutical companies make drugs that save our lives and improve our quality of life. With little fanfare, many drug companies have programs that provide, in certain circumstances, free or reduced-cost prescription drugs to those who can't afford them. Last week Pfizer Inc. announced it will provide more than 70 of its drugs free to patients who have been taking them for a while and have lost their jobs or their health insurance. For thousands of Americans who rely on Pfizer drugs, this program will make a huge difference as far as staying healthy.

Pfizer implemented the program for several reasons. One is that out-of-work patients who stop taking some prescription drugs develop health problems that are more serious and more expensive to treat. Another reason is that this program could help Pfizer preserve its customer base, keeping them from switching to lower-cost generic drugs.

The free-drug program is yet another example of how corporate America is responding to the recession and its impact on the day-to-day lives of so many Americans.

Among the drugs in the Pfizer program is Viagra, the well-known, popular and often-joked-about treatment for male impotence. For those who would question why a drug company would give away one its biggest moneymakers, since it's not a life-saving drug, there's a simple answer: market share. Pfizer doesn't want to lose those customers, even when they lose their jobs and health benefits.