Articles tagged with Drug Costs
A new approach to health care could involve tailoring treatments to individual genetic makeup, lifestyle and environment. This precision medicine method aims to replace the use of race in treatment decisions and reduce disparities in health outcomes.
A new report highlights seven areas of focus within COPD care, including improving access to education, medications, and non-medication interventions. The report also emphasizes the need for more research funding and development of cost-effective treatments.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the US, yet patients often face out-of-pocket costs and inadequate care. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine report highlights these challenges, including high medication costs and variable insurance coverage.
A new study suggests that therapeutic substitution could help drive down the cost of prescription medications by substituting chemically different compounds within the same class of drugs. The study estimated potential savings through therapeutic substitution for drug classes with both generic and brand-name options, resulting in reduc...
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that loperamide, a key ingredient in Imodium, is being abused by people seeking to self-treat opioid withdrawal symptoms or euphoria. The medication's safety is compromised when used in high doses, leading to cardiac dysrhythmia and death.
A study by Sebastian Salas-Vega and Elias Mossialos found a wide variation in the value of cancer drugs across 9 countries, with the US spending more than others but witnessing one of the smallest improvements in cancer-related mortality. The authors calculated a $32.6 billion net positive return from cancer drug care in the US in 2014.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) endorses cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the primary treatment for adults with chronic insomnia. CBT-I combines cognitive therapy around sleep with various behavioral therapies.
Cancer drug costs have increased by six times over the past decade, with newly approved medications costing an average of $11,325 per month, compared to $1,869 for those introduced in 2000. This trend may impact patients' ability to access these drugs and their financial burden.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that dexamethasone was effective in treating mild to moderate asthma in ER patients with only slightly higher relapse rates compared to a 5-day course of prednisone. The single-dose medication eliminates prescription adherence barriers such as forgetfulness and cost.
A national PrEP program for injection drug users is cost-prohibitive due to high drug prices, but investing in naloxone therapy, medical insurance, and detoxification programs could prevent HIV infections more effectively. The study suggests that alternative approaches may be a better use of HIV prevention resources.
A new analysis of 204 studies involving over 1.4 million people suggests that metformin reduces the relative risk of dying from heart disease by 30-40% compared to sulfonylureas. The study also evaluated other drug effects, including glucose control and side effects.
A potentially pan-genotypic combination of ravidasvir and sofosbuvir will be tested in Malaysia and Thailand to treat hepatitis C at a target price of under $300. The treatment, licensed by DNDi, aims to provide an affordable cure for the deadly disease that treats all strains.
A study found that the prevalence of treated diabetes increased from 5.2% to 7.7% in the US, while estimated spending for insulin per patient rose from $231 to $736 between 2002 and 2013. Insulin prices skyrocketed, with average prices increasing by 197% over the same period.
The cost of insulin more than tripled from $231 to $736 per year between 2002 and 2013, while other diabetes drugs saw a decrease. The study suggests looking again at non-insulin therapies due to the high cost-effectiveness gap.
A value-based insurance plan in Connecticut boosted employee use of targeted preventive services by 13.5 percentage points and reduced emergency room visits, leading to potential cost savings over time.
Researchers developed an optimized approach to determine prescribed medication associations, reducing processing costs and improving medication inventory management. The method has substantial positive effects on pharmacy automation and management, enabling pharmacies to increase operational efficiency and enhance patient care.
A new US report assesses the massive burden of chronic kidney disease on Medicare, revealing staggering statistics and expensive treatment options. The report aims to inform national healthcare policy and improve care for patients with kidney disease.
Researchers at Lehigh University developed a technique to observe cell-to-cell interaction in an environment that closely mimics the human body. This innovation enables real-time microscopic analysis, ideal for developing targeted drugs and testing precision treatments.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) calls for policy changes to slow the rising cost of prescription drugs. Recommendations include price transparency, patient cost-sharing, and novel approaches such as price negotiation by Medicare. While some studies suggest potential prevention methods, more research is needed.
Two studies by Penn researchers found that high out-of-pocket costs for specialty drugs reduce their use, particularly for cancer treatments. The studies suggest that cost-sharing policies under Medicare Part D are limiting access to life-saving therapies.
The American College of Physicians recommends various policies to stem the rising cost of prescription drugs, including transparency in pricing and comparative effectiveness research. The ACP also supports value-based decision-making and encourages competition through approaches like price negotiation by Medicare.
Researchers at Loyola University Health System have developed a new approach to treating hepatitis C, using mathematical models to predict when patients can safely stop taking direct-acting antiviral medication. This approach could lead to a 50% reduction in treatment cost and improved patient adherence.
The new WHO Model List of Essential Medicines includes tumour-specific indications for 46 essential medicines, empowering oncologists to demand quality care. The list aims to reduce disparities in survival outcomes and bring cancer care to developing worlds.
A major study has shown that intervening in primary care health practices can significantly reduce rates of high-risk prescribing of drugs. The study found a 37% reduction in high-risk prescribing and associated reductions in emergency hospital admissions for related complications.
Researchers found that starting patients with CML on generic form of Gleevec (imatinib) would save nearly $100,000 over five years per patient. This translates to huge cost savings for insurers and patients, with the potential to reduce medication costs by 60-90%.
The new issue of the Annals of Global Health presents a core set of recommendations for optimizing diabetes care globally. The main findings emphasize the need for each nation to assess region-specific epidemiology, establish public health imperatives, and commit to education and research to advance culturally-sensitive guidelines.
ESTEVE has developed two new investigational gene therapies, EGT-201 and EGT-301, to treat Sanfilippo B syndrome and Hunter syndrome. The treatments join a promising gene therapy platform aimed at restoring enzyme function in patients with severe and debilitating rare diseases.
A new study demonstrates that pediatric patients with asthma who received their medications in hospital are more likely to avoid emergency department visits. The 'Meds-in-Hand' program, which provides on-site pharmacy delivery, significantly reduced ED visits and improved patient outcomes for discharged children with asthma.
Seven major pharmaceutical companies have signed up to a groundbreaking Parkinson's consortium aimed at accelerating the development of safe and effective therapies. The consortium will share data, expertise, and resources with leading academics and industry members to promote and develop new treatments for Parkinson's.
The cost of an effective stroke clot-busting drug, alteplase, has more than doubled to $6,400 for a standard vial, but Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement have only increased by 8%. This disparity highlights the need for better reimbursement rates to ensure hospitals can provide high-quality care without losing money.
Researchers found that adding mechanical clot removal to clot-busting drugs lowered stroke survivors' medical bills by $20,396 compared to medication alone. This translates to a potential healthcare cost savings of $13,491,564 if all patients were treated with clot removal plus medication.
Experts argue that drug discovery should focus on 'validity', predicting results in sick people, rather than industrialization or fashion. Mathematical tools show that small changes in validity can have a bigger effect than running more experiments.
Researchers found that patients taking strong anticholinergic medications performed poorly on attention tests and had lower physical function compared to those not taking the medication. The study suggests that alternative treatment options may be more effective in rehabilitating patients with dementia.
Generic drugs are increasingly inaccessible due to pharmaceutical companies' strategies to delay market entry. These tactics include pay-for-delay deals, authorized generics, and product hopping, which can lead to higher prices for patients.
A new study comparing smoking cessation therapies found that 12-week treatment with a nicotine patch, varenicline, or combination therapy produced similar quit rates at 26 and 52 weeks. The treatments did not differ significantly on any abstinence outcome measure.
The TPP may drive up pharmaceutical prices in low-income countries, diminishing access to essential medications. The agreement also raises concerns about individual country litigation against multi-national pharmaceutical companies.
Researchers from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center reviewed the scientific evidence for top-selling over-the-counter dietary supplements sold to improve male sexual health. While some natural supplements show promise, they lack robust human evidence and can be pure or weak.
A new study finds that Medicaid programs provide inadequate help for smoking cessation, with 10% of smokers receiving anti-smoking medication. States vary in their efforts to support smokers, with some providing more access than others.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that both traditional Medicaid expansion and the 'private option' approach significantly reduced uninsured rates and improved access to affordable healthcare for low-income adults. In Kentucky and Arkansas, which expanded coverage through these approaches, the uninsured rat...
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that unmet socioeconomic needs, such as difficulty affording food or transportation, are directly related to poor health outcomes. Patients with unmet needs were more likely to have chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that cancer drug prices vary significantly between European countries, with some nations paying up to 388% more than others for the same medication. The UK and Mediterranean countries have the lowest average unit manufacturer prices for a group of 31 originator cancer drugs, while German...
The study found that prices for all surveyed classes of brand-name drugs increased by an average of 401%, with topical antineoplastic drugs experiencing the largest percentage increase at 1240%. Psoriasis medications had the smallest average percentage increase, rising by just 180%.
The American College of Physicians recommends prescribing generic medications when available, as it improves health outcomes, reduces harm, and eliminates wasteful practices. Generic substitution can lead to better long-term medication adherence and save patients $1.4 billion annually.
The American College of Physicians recommends prescribing generic medications whenever possible to reduce costs and improve adherence to therapy. Generic medications are as effective as their branded counterparts, but underuse is a significant issue due to misconceptions about safety and efficacy.
Researchers found that treating patients with expensive new drugs for hepatitis C earlier than usual is worth the cost, despite high prices. Early treatment can save healthcare costs and improve patient quality of life by preventing long-term damage from the disease.
Health experts argue that pharmaceutical companies abuse the Orphan Drug Act by marketing drugs for common conditions, generating billions in profits. The law was designed to encourage rare disease treatments but has instead led to high medication costs and monopolies.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study shows that breast cancer patients without prescription drug coverage are less likely to start and continue hormonal therapy due to high costs. Women from lower-income households were particularly affected, highlighting the need for affordable prescription coverage.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a strategy to discover disease progression at its earliest phase by analyzing T-cells. The study found that specific genes can serve as early disease markers, even before symptoms appear.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that tocilizumab, a drug approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is effective in treating polymyalgia rheumatica. The study showed that patients treated with tocilizumab were able to discontinue corticosteroids more quickly and remained in remission over 12 months.
A University of Michigan Medical School team compared the cost-effectiveness of two anticoagulant drugs, dabigatran and warfarin, for preventing stroke in patients over age 65 with atrial fibrillation. They found that new drugs are more cost-effective for those with prescription coverage, but may not be worth it for those without cover...
Experts discuss the impact of affordable medicines on breast cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of healthcare structures in improving patient outcomes. The lack of effective systems can negate even new, expensive treatments.
A new MSU study analyzed historical data from India to find reliable economic information on drug use. It shows that users switch between opium and cannabis when the price of one goes up, a phenomenon called substitution. This finding has significant policy implications for tackling addiction.
A study of Canadian patients found that off-label prescription drug use was associated with a higher incidence of adverse drug events (ADEs), particularly when the use lacked strong scientific evidence. The study also found that patients using multiple medications had a significantly increased risk for ADEs.
A study of federal marketplace insurance plans found nearly 15% lacking in-network specialists for at least one specialty, affecting patient access to specialized care. This issue raises concerns about network adequacy and high out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries.
Researchers have identified growth differentiation factor 10 (GDF10) as a molecule that promotes brain cell formation of new connections after a stroke. The discovery may lead to the development of a treatment to enhance brain repair and functional recovery in people who have suffered a stroke.
Health economists from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine argue that universal access to medicines is critical in controlling neglected diseases, major infections, and chronic diseases. The PURE study reveals that secondary prevention is unavailable and unaffordable in many communities worldwide, highlighting the need for polici...
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that the use of vital life-saving generic medicines for prevention in people with existing heart disease is poor worldwide. The study found that these medicines are not widely available and unaffordable in low-income countries, affecting their use even in rich nations.
Biosimilars are complex proteins that provide therapeutically equivalent alternatives to expensive biologics, reducing treatment costs in rheumatology and other fields. The introduction of biosimilars into clinical practice requires careful management to ensure patient safety and efficacy.
A study by the University of Virginia found that low-income HIV patients enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans achieved higher viral suppression rates compared to those receiving only medications through direct AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This approach allows the state to cover more patients in a cost-effective wa...
A new study suggests that a diabetes medication could be used to treat alcohol dependence, with results showing a 30-40% reduction in consumption and prevention of relapse. The medication works by interfering with the hormone GLP-1, which regulates food intake and reward centers.