[ChrisLomont]

Doesn't the same argument apply to the elements making any drug? Carbon, oxygen, etc.. are all pretty cheap. But there is significant value in mixing things properly and getting that mixture tested and through the FDA.

If it's trivial to take these cheap drugs and mix them, then why don't people simply do that?

[sooheon]

Check out the propublica piece. Their analogy is more akin to putting pb&j in one jar. As to why it happens? People are likely to do what their doctors say and what their insurance will cover. Pharma has ways to influence both.

[pxeboot]

Because people just accept what is prescribed, and neither the customer or doctor is aware of the actual cost?