How do you know if the prescription drugs you are taking are right for you—the right drug at the right price? All drugs undergo basic rigorous clinical research before being approved and brought to market to make sure that they are relatively safe and better than doing nothing.

However, critics, including the major pharmaceutical companies and some advocacy and patient groups, are not convinced that comparing the effectiveness of different drugs to treat the same symptoms is always appropriate.

AARP Rx Watchdog is hosting a forum to discuss these issues on February 24, 2005, in Washington, DC. Moderated by AARP Director of Policy and Strategy John Rother, the panel will feature:

• Mark Gibson, Deputy Director Center for Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health & Science University
• Mark L. Horn, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Government Relations, Pfizer
• John Santa, MD, Assistant Director for Health Projects Center for Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health & Science University
• George Oestreich, Pharm D, MPA, Director of Pharmacy Program Missouri Medicaid and
• A fourth panelist to be determined.

There will also be a special videotaped welcome from former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, MD, Director, Center for Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health & Science University.

For more information on this event, send an e-mail to publicoutreachrsvp@aarp.org.