Potential savings through drugs? CMAJ 1997;157:1194 © 1997 Canadian Medical Association Alberta's newsletter on drug use in the elderly (DUE) recommends a more integrated system of funding health care so that savings realized in 1 sector can offset potential increases in another. The DUE Quarterly cites low-molecular-weight heparin therapy as an effective, safe and less costly therapy than traditional intravenous heparin therapy for the treatment of proximal vein thrombosis in elderly patients. Although increasing use of the therapy may increase financial pressures on drug-benefit budgets, the newsletter says it could lead to potential savings in the hospital sector. The newsletter is a joint effort of the Alberta Medical Association and Alberta Pharmaceutical Association. Send a letter to the editor responding to this article Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cet article | CMAJ November 1, 1997 (vol 157, no 9) / JAMC le 1er novembre 1997 (vol 157, no 9) |