Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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A new study finds that effective new hepatitis C drugs are extremely costly, with some treatments costing between $94,500 and $189,000. The state of Rhode Island would need to spend almost twice its entire prison health budget to treat all its chronically infected inmates.
A retrospective cohort study of nearly 217,000 patients with gout found that prescription rates for effective gout treatment decreased after the FDA increased prices. The study also showed significant increases in monthly total prescription bills, highlighting the negative impact of regulatory actions on access to affordable medications.
Uninsured cancer patients pay 2-43 times more than Medicare and private insurers for chemotherapy drugs, according to a new study. The study found significant price differences for expensive and inexpensive drugs alike.
A new study suggests that using plain language, graphics, and stories can simplify the health insurance enrollment process for people who have never had insurance before. The research found that these methods helped participants make informed choices about their coverage options and increased their confidence in their decisions.
A new investigation by The BMJ reveals that NHS doctors could prescribe the affordable and effective sight loss drug Avastin for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. If allowed, this could release £102 million annually to reinvest in other frontline patient services.
A University of Missouri researcher found that behavioral interventions for patients are more effective than those targeting healthcare providers in improving medication adherence. The study analyzed 29 interventions and concluded that patient-centered approaches can help identify the root causes of non-adherence.
A study by Boston Medical Center researchers finds that new Hepatitis C treatments are highly effective but only cost-effective for patients with advanced liver disease or those who have previously failed treatment. The therapy's wholesale cost of $85,000 per course is prohibitively expensive for healthier patients.
A new study suggests discontinuing statins in patients with life-limiting illness can improve quality of life without adverse health effects. The study found no significant differences in mortality between those who continued and discontinued statin therapy.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that drug companies have extended patents on insulin for over 90 years, preventing generic versions from entering the market. This has led to costly treatment options, with prices ranging from $120 to $400 per month, and hospitalizations due to uncontrolled diabetes.
A study by MIT economist Ernst Berndt and colleagues found that the prices of leading cancer drugs increased by 10% annually from 1995 to 2013, even after adjusting for inflation and incremental health benefits. The researchers suggest that rising prices reflect a greater social tolerance for significant healthcare costs.
A new study from the University of British Columbia suggests that Canada can implement universal public drug coverage without increasing taxes. The study estimates that this system would save the Canadian economy $7.3 billion annually by increasing the use of generic drugs and negotiating lower prices with pharmaceutical companies.
A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that implementing a universal public drug plan could reduce Canada's spending on prescription drugs by $7.3 billion per year, while employers and unions could save an additional $8.2 billion. This cost savings is attributed to economies of scale in price negotiation...
A study by Mayo Clinic Cancer Center reveals the average price of cancer drugs in the US has increased significantly over the years, affecting patient care. The authors recommend six potential solutions to control high drug costs, including allowing Medicare to negotiate prices and implementing value-based pricing.
A recent study by the University of Basel analyzed new drugs approved by the FDA from 2003 to 2013, revealing that several parameters have improved efficiency. The researchers found that market access is not inefficient, but rather dependent on collaboration between industry and authorities.
A recent analysis published in CMAJ argues that Canada must ensure fair pricing of all orphan drugs to allow patient access. The study examines the case of trientine, a life-saving therapy for Wilson disease, which saw its price increase 13-fold before being rescinded.
A U-M study found that switching to generic glaucoma medication led to improved adherence rates among patients. Lower copays after the introduction of generics were a key factor in this improvement. However, black patients with severe disease showed decreased adherence compared to white patients.
A recent study published in Blood found that most breakthrough blood cancer therapies have favorable cost-effectiveness ratios, with some treatments providing better value than others. The median ratio for industry-funded studies was $26,000/QALY, while non-industry-funded studies had a median ratio of $33,000/QALY.
Researchers analyze patients' genetic makeup to determine potential reactions to medications and reduce adverse effects. The goal is to increase the quality of life for individuals in behavioral health services, reducing emergency room visits and healthcare costs.
Researchers analyzed data from Medicare and VA patients, revealing that physicians' prescribing decisions are influenced by multiple factors, including patient costs and regional variations. The study highlights the need for improvement in healthcare systems to optimize treatment selection and reduce costs.
Health economics calculations for targeted anti-cancer therapies are often based on assumptions that can change when re-examined. Adjusting these assumptions can significantly alter the cost-effectiveness ratio, making treatments seem more or less viable.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that some health insurers are using drug coverage decisions to discourage people with HIV from selecting their plans, resulting in higher costs for those enrolled in these plans. This practice could undermine a central feature of the Affordable Care Act.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that patients with Parkinson's disease experience improved motor skills when receiving an 'expensive' drug, even if it's just a placebo. The study suggests that harnessing the placebo response could enhance treatment benefits and reduce dosage needs.
Researchers from Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute call for further research to determine if medications' adverse cognitive effects can be reversed. They also highlight the need for safer alternatives to prevent Alzheimer's disease and other dementing disorders.
A study by Concordia University marketing professor Lea Prevel Katsanis and her co-author found that knowledge of the benefits and risks of personalized medicine (PM) is crucial for patient acceptance. The research also highlights the importance of doctor-patient communication in PM adoption.
A team at Recursion Pharmaceuticals aims to accelerate the development of therapies for rare diseases by leveraging custom-designed software and human cellular models. The approach has already led to the identification of potential treatments for cerebral cavernous malformation, a rare hereditary vascular disease.
Market-access agreements for anti-cancer drugs lack transparency, leading to higher prices for patients in small and low-income countries. The financial arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers and health systems are kept confidential, making it difficult for these countries to negotiate lower prices.
Physicians urge policy-makers to address care gaps due to misalignment of reimbursement policies and clinical guidelines. Newer blood-thinning agents like DOACs are safer and more effective than traditional warfarin, yet government funders restrict access.
A McGill University Health Centre study found that adopting structured antibiotic time-outs led to decreased antibiotic costs and a small decline in Clostridium difficile infections. The time-out program, which involved regular re-evaluation of treatment strategies, resulted in improved prescribing practices among physicians.
A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found that automated reminders improved medication adherence by 2 percentage points, with significant reductions in cholesterol levels. The study, which included over 21,000 participants, suggests that even small changes can have a big impact on public health.
A new drug combination for rheumatoid arthritis treats the disease just as well as other intensive treatment strategies but with less medication and fewer side effects. The COBRA Slim strategy, which calls for the least amount of medication, had half as many side effects as the two other strategies and was just as effective.
A new analysis of current evidence suggests that expensive and cheaper drugs both work well in easing diabetes nerve pain. Considering the significant cost difference between medications, doctors should prioritize cost when prescribing treatments for diabetic neuropathy until more studies are done.
A new study by the RAND Corporation estimates that biosimilar drugs could save the US healthcare system $44.2 billion over 10 years by reducing costs and increasing competition. The introduction of biosimilars is expected to drive down prices for complex biologic drugs used to treat illnesses such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers found that generic aromatase inhibitors increased treatment adherence by 50% compared to brand-name counterparts, while also decreasing co-payment costs. The study highlights the critical need to address medication non-adherence, particularly in the context of costly oral cancer therapies.
Patients treated first with metformin were less likely to require treatment intensification compared to those who started with sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, or DPP-4 inhibitors. Metformin also reduced the need for added insulin and was not associated with increased rates of hypoglycemia or cardiovascular events.
Researchers found that treating inmates with sofosbuvir is cost-effective compared to other treatments approved by the FDA. The study suggests that the treatment can add up to 2.1 quality-adjusted life years and save healthcare programs from paying out more in the future.
A cost-value review of specialty versus traditional drugs found that specialty drugs offered greater gains for patients despite higher costs. Specialty drug coupons helped reduce patient out-of-pocket costs but may decrease insurers' ability to manage drugs.
The study will evaluate the benefits of genetic testing to guide medication decisions for patients with depression or schizophrenia, including clinical outcomes and cost benefits. The research aims to provide personalized treatment recommendations tailored to individual patient genetics.
The number of antibiotics available for clinical use has declined to 96 from a peak of 113 in 2000, with the rate of withdrawals being double the rate of new introductions. Pharmaceutical companies are leaving the antibiotic space due to financial constraints and patent law, forcing research universities to step in.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that the 2005 Medicare law had no significant impact on reducing chemotherapy drug costs, contradicting economists' expectations. Instead, cancer care costs skyrocketed during the decade after the law passed.
The use of generic discount drug programs (GDDPs) has grown significantly since their introduction in 2006, with a notable increase in racial/ethnic minorities. GDDPs can help reduce medication costs and improve access to drug therapy for vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that patients taking generic statins were more likely to adhere to their medication and had a significantly lower rate of cardiovascular events and death. Generic statins were also associated with improved clinical outcomes due to lower out-of-pocket costs.
The American College of Physicians recommends Kegel exercises, bladder training, and weight loss as effective treatments for stress and urgency urinary incontinence. Non-surgical treatment options are recommended over medication to minimize side effects and costs.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends Kegel exercises, bladder training, and weight loss as effective nonsurgical treatment options for women with urinary incontinence. Generic statins are also shown to improve adherence to medication and clinical outcomes compared to brand-name drugs. Chiropractic care coupled with exerc...
A recent study suggests that treating mildly elevated blood pressure in low-risk individuals may not be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease or death. Experts urge clinicians to re-examine the threshold for treatment and promote lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and increased exercise, instead of relying on medication.
A collaborative study estimated long-term costs and health outcomes of depression-related absence compared to working employees with depression. Researchers found that continuing to work while experiencing a depressive illness may offer certain health benefits.
A three-year study led by the University of Liverpool will investigate the effectiveness of two Behçet's syndrome treatments, potentially saving the NHS £500k. The research aims to identify factors that make medicine work for some patients but not others, allowing doctors to prescribe evidence-based treatment.
A Penn researcher and CVS Health physician suggest an alternative payment model for gene therapy, which would replace single large payments with annuity payments over a defined period. This approach could help ensure sufficient investments in expensive gene therapies by spreading out payments and linking them to evidence of continued e...
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients with advanced dementia are still being prescribed medications with little to no proven benefit. The study analyzed data from over 5,400 nursing home residents and found that nearly 54% received at least one questionable medication.
A commentary calls for physicians to carefully review older patients' medication lists and consider their anticipated life expectancy, goals of care, and treatment targets. This approach can help reduce the number of unnecessary prescriptions and minimize harm from medications in older adults.
The FOCUS Study found that patients taking a polypill had higher adherence rates compared to those receiving individual medications. The study identified factors contributing to non-adherence, including age, depression, and complexity of treatment.
A new study found that 27% of rheumatoid arthritis patients in the UK failed to take their expensive anti-TNF therapy as prescribed. Non-adherence to medication reduced its effectiveness and worsened disease outcomes, highlighting a significant concern for healthcare resources.
Women seek anti-aging clinicians to treat menopausal symptoms, valuing personalized attention and perceived safety of bioidentical hormones. The study found that these women prioritize relieving symptoms, feeling energized, and avoiding chronic illnesses associated with aging.
The 340B program is facing critical issues such as eligibility definition, compliance, and transparency. RAND researchers estimate that the program accounts for $6 billion in outpatient drug spending and provides savings of $1.6 billion for eligible safety net providers.
Researchers will use radioactive labelling to track where key materials used in nanomedicines accumulate in the body. This study aims to inform regulation and development of safer nanomedicine options for chronic conditions.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy found that community pharmacist interventions can significantly boost drug adherence rates. The project showed a 3-4% increase in medication adherence across five common medication classes, resulting in substantial cost savings for healthcare systems. By leveraging pharmaci...
A combination pill taking key medications for heart disease prevention may reduce costs and improve adherence to medication recommendations. The polypill has been proposed as a low-cost strategy to improve secondary prevention in nations with limited resources.
A medication called ferric citrate may reduce the need for dialysis patients to take multiple drugs that treat complications related to kidney disease. Ferric citrate binds phosphorus, increases iron stores, and decreases the need for iron and anemia medications, leading to fewer hospitalizations.
A new assay developed by Oregon State University can detect counterfeit malaria drugs at a cost of a few cents, saving thousands of lives annually. The technology uses paper-based microfluidics to verify the presence and level of artesunate, a crucial drug for treating serious malaria cases.
Using an expensive agent to prevent blood clots in kidney failure patients' dialysis catheters may reduce overall medical complications and lower healthcare costs. A recent clinical trial found that the increased cost of this medication was partially offset by lower costs for managing complications.
A new methodology tracks wholesale powdered cocaine prices in 112 cities to identify city-to-city links for the transit of the drug. Cities in the southern U.S. and along the west coast are source cities, while those in the north and northeast are destination cities.