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The article reports that the U.S. prices of older generic medications such as albuterol sulfate, enalapril and fluoxetine have increased. Topics discussed include high prescription-drug spending market because of exclusivity and negotiating power, prohibition of prescription drugs importation under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and need of alternative strategies to provide less expensive medications.

The article discusses the access to injectable generic drugs, with focus on bacille Calmette-Guérin for bladder cancer. It notes the prospect of a sustained shortage or substantial price increase after a BCG manufacturer announces in November 2016 to exit the market in mid-2017. It illustrates the price increase of mitomycin, thiotepa, and valrubicin during the BCG shortage beginning in 2014. Also noted is payment reforms which could further stabilize the generic injectable agents market.