Web Site Helps Consumers Shop For Drugs; Consumer Reports Compares Prices, Effectiveness For Free

Buyers have long gone to Consumer Reports to choose their sedans, toaster ovens, and stereos, but now they can turn to it for their drugs as well. The magazine on Thursday launched an educational and outreach initiative called Best Buy Drugs, which includes a free Web site and will compare medications in terms of price, effectiveness, and safety. One drug in each of several categories will earn a "Best Buy" distinction. "We know that consumers are very concerned and confused about finding prescription drugs that are proven to be safe and effective and that they can afford," Joel Gurin, executive vice president of Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports, said at a news conference. "We asked ourselves, 'What if we can do for drugs what we do for cars and cameras?' " The organization was spurred to action because, Gurin said, "the cost of drugs is becoming a national crisis."