I do agree with you that big pharma has some influence with the FDA...and I have had many thoughts of the corruption that could've taken place to reduce the number of Quinine providers from four to one. However, that is not the free market at work. That is classic government interference with the free market. I think that we agree on all of the effects of the FDA, but disagree on the causes. The government established an entity that has control over a marketplace. In addition, the government did not set up enough obstacles to preclude rent-seeking behavior from having incentives. I don’t think that is capitalism at all.

Ethan,

I've been really disgusted by the whole manipulation of quinine on the US market. If you want to have your doctor write a prescription for enough per month to get you through without having to cut back several days, I would recommend CanadaDrugs.com in Winnipeg, Manitoba. You can order online after they get the prescription and the 300 mg tablets of quinine sulfate are about $.40 each. They are a certified Canadian pharmacy - I would be very careful about some of the offshore type businesses and I would never use someone who doesn't require and verify a prescription.

I order my thyroid hormone medication from Canada and have been pleased with the service and quality - I can't tolerate the dyes and fillers in the American made products so I didn't really have a choice. I only had one incident where customs opened the package and the bottle, then sent it on and expected me to take it after it was handled!? I have to pay for it out of pocket but it's worth it to me. When I first started taking thyroid it was $2.00 for a bottle of 100. The same stuff is now $90.00 for 100. Unbelievable!

Jan

You know, it is time to go meet with your Congressman, while he is on vacation and let him know your situation. This problem requires legislation. It is outrageous that Quinine is regulated in this manner and much more dangerous drugs are being perscribed like candy.