Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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.
Researchers found that if all eye doctors prescribed the less expensive bevacizumab instead of ranibizumab for treating common eye diseases, Medicare could save $18 billion over a decade. This would also result in patients saving $4.6 billion in co-pays and the private healthcare system saving an additional $29 billion.
Researchers propose reassigning low-income Medicare beneficiaries to their most affordable medication plans. The change could result in $5 billion in savings and fewer prescription restrictions for eligible individuals.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that letting patients choose their PTSD treatment can lead to significant cost savings and a higher quality of life. The study showed that patients who were allowed to select their own treatment spent an average of $1,622 less per year compared to those who were assig...
Two studies in JAMA Ophthalmology investigated glaucoma medication adherence, finding that a sizable number of patients struggle to use prescribed eye drops. Electronic monitoring revealed that 82.8% of patients took their medication correctly on at least 75% of days, highlighting the need for risk calculators to identify nonadherent p...
University of Houston pharmacy students earned statewide awards for excellence in leadership, professional service and clinical skills. Two teams won the second- and fourth-year Pharmacy Doctorate student divisions in the clinical skills competition.
The NHS prescription charge is outdated and unfair, say the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Many exemptions are illogical and adding to the tax on medicines, it argues. Several alternative arrangements have been suggested, including a dispensing fee for patients.
Researchers found extended-release Naltrexone to be more effective than other medications in reducing substance abuse and hospital admissions. The medication offers significant savings due to lower healthcare utilization costs.
A recent review warns of the dangers of smart drugs on young people's developing brains, highlighting the potential for long-term impairments and decreased brain plasticity. Methylphenidate and modafinil, two popular smart drugs, have been found to cause these effects in young brains.
A comprehensive analysis of over 120 studies reveals that medications like acamprosate and oral naltrexone show promise in decreasing alcohol consumption, with an average number needed to treat (NNT) of 12 for both. These findings highlight the potential benefits of medication-assisted treatment for adults with alcohol use disorders.
Two medications, acamprosate and oral naltrexone, have shown promise in reducing return to drinking and improving other drinking outcomes. The study provides additional options for clinicians to address alcohol use disorders, a global concern associated with many health problems.
A new study found that Orlistat patients attribute weight loss failure to side effects or ineffective medication. Patients described barriers such as psychological and physical health issues, relationships, and alternative methods of weight loss, emphasizing the need for better patient support and dietary education.
Research finds that lowering copayments for cardiovascular medications following a heart attack significantly improves adherence and reduces adverse events among nonwhite patients. Providing full drug coverage increased medication adherence and reduced major vascular events by 35% and healthcare spending by 70%.
Researchers at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute used baker's yeast to study drug interactions, finding that one-fifth of combinations suppress each other's effectiveness and increasing the risk of adverse reactions. The study's findings have implications for personalized medicine and optimization of combination therapies.
The report highlights the importance of sharing prescription monitoring data with third-party payers to detect inappropriate prescribing and dispensing, ultimately reducing opioid abuse and deaths. The recommendations aim to enhance insurer capabilities in monitoring prescribing patterns and improving patient safety.
A study by Stanford researchers found that dermatologists with access to free drug samples prescribe more expensive brand-name drugs, despite some benefits of the samples in helping uninsured patients. The study suggests that physicians may not be aware of cost differences between brand-name and generic drugs.
A study found that free medication samples in dermatology offices change prescribing practices for acne and rosacea. Branded drugs accounted for 79% of prescriptions, while generic alternatives were less common. This may lead to higher prescription costs.
A study led by Purdue University found that medication therapy management by phone reduced hospitalizations by 86% in low-risk Medicare patients, who were three times less likely to be hospitalized. However, the intervention had no significant impact on higher-risk patients, highlighting the need for tailored strategies.
Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid find that price controls can increase efficiency and lower prices for generic medicines. The study suggests alternative instruments to direct regulation, promoting competition and transparency.
A new device simulates the human gut and its pH gradients to test drug absorption, reducing clinical trial costs. This breakthrough could lead to more affordable medicines with reduced development costs passed on to customers.
A new study reveals that one in seven critically ill patients who received mechanical ventilation experience anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The research highlights the need for improved prevention and treatment of psychological problems in these patients.
A new method for purifying peptide-based drugs has been developed by a chemist at Michigan Technological University, separating perfect peptides from those that don't make the grade in just two hours. The process reduces waste and is cheaper than existing methods, offering a promising alternative for treating diseases like cancer and HIV.
A new MIT robot developed by Hermano Igo Krebs can help pharmaceutical companies speed up drug development for stroke medications. By using the robot's measurements, companies may only need to test 240 patients to determine whether a drug works, reducing time and cost by 70%.
A study of 230 bipolar I disorder patients found that nearly a third were taking four or more psychiatric medications, with an average of six different drugs. Women were significantly more likely to experience complex polypharmacy, taking 68% of these high medication burden cases.
A new study finds that heart attack survivors, particularly black and Hispanic women, are less likely to adhere to prescribed medications. The researchers highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve long-term adherence and optimal outcomes.
Research at the University of North Carolina found that patients with higher co-payments were 70% more likely to stop taking their cancer treatment and 42% more likely to skip doses. The cost of many new pharmaceuticals can exceed $100,000 per year.
The DTB suggests that England should reject new drugs if pharmaceutical companies fail to provide supporting evidence, reducing duplication of effort and postcode availability. This follows the example of Scotland and Wales, where such decisions are made by a single UK appraisal service.
Couples undergoing fertility treatment face significant out-of-pocket expenses, with IVF cycles costing up to $19,234, while medication-only treatments cost around $912. The study's findings aim to inform couples and physicians about the true costs of infertility care.
A new study shows that telemedicine consultations can effectively manage Parkinson's symptoms and improve quality of life. Virtual house calls enable individuals with the condition to live independently while receiving specialized care.
A study found that medication and individual psychotherapy are effective treatments for alcohol dependence, particularly when patients commit to the treatment. The stepped-care approach, which escalates services as needed, also showed promise in reducing heavy drinking and relapse rates.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the regulation of PDE3A enzymes, which regulate cardiac contractility. The discovery of individual isoforms and their interactions with different proteins suggests that developing targeted drugs could reduce sudden cardiac death risk.
A study found that patients who received personalized attention from a pharmacist improved their medication adherence rates, with 89.3% adherent in the intervention group compared to 73.9% in usual care. However, there was no significant difference in achieving blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level targets.
The 'Path to 2025' Alzheimer's Disease Summit highlights the need for streamlined drug development to tackle the disease. The report estimates that current total cost of bringing an effective Alzheimer's treatment to market approaches $6 billion, nearly three times the industry average.
The global supply of illicit drugs has likely not been reduced in the past two decades, with street prices falling and purity/potency increasing. This study analyzed data from seven international surveillance systems to conclude that law enforcement efforts are failing to curb supply and contribute to violence and public health issues.
A CDC and Massachusetts General Hospital study finds that pretravel consultations and preventive medications can save money for both payers and most travelers. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 travelers to West Africa and found that the costs associated with contracting malaria outweighed the costs of preventive care.
High drug expenses in Canada hinder treatment access and outcomes due to copayments and limited coverage. A universal drug program could address these issues with a national agency implementing a comprehensive solution.
New research shows hydroxyurea treatment can lower medical costs for children with sickle cell disease by preventing complications and reducing hospitalizations. The study found that children treated with hydroxyurea incurred $3,000 less in medical costs per year compared to those who received standard therapy plus placebo.
The use of continuous processing in the pharmaceutical industry is gaining momentum, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. By adopting this approach, companies like Eli Lilly and Company are experiencing faster production times and greater flexibility to meet demand.
A randomized trial found that a fixed-dose combination medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, and platelet control resulted in significantly improved medication adherence after 15 months. The study also showed modest but significant improvements in systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
A new study found that combining multiple medications into one pill improves medication adherence and reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study involved 2,004 participants in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and India, with polypill users taking medications regularly by a third more than usual care.
The University of Houston College of Pharmacy has received a national award for its work in providing essential health care services to Houston's homeless population. The clinic serves over 3,000 patients and will use the grant to expand its pharmacy supply.
A new UCLA-led study finds that substituting less expensive medications for brand-name counterparts can result in significant cost savings for Medicare beneficiaries. The study identified 50 common medications and found that 39% of patients receiving the low-income subsidy were eligible for generic or therapeutic substitutions, leading...
Researchers found that generic substitutions result in $127-$160 annual savings, while therapeutic substitutions yield $389-$452 per beneficiary. Therapeutic substitutions have the potential to double or triple annual cost savings compared to generic substitutions.
The US Pharmacopeial Convention has introduced new limits on 15 elemental impurities and procedures for measuring levels, updating tests used to ensure safe products. The changes require drug companies to install multiple systems at multiple sites, potentially increasing costs.
Kaiser Permanente Northern California's hypertension program, launched in 2001, nearly doubled the rate of blood pressure control among adult members with diagnosed hypertension. The program achieved sustained success through a comprehensive registry and frequent quality reports, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A recent study by UK and Canadian researchers found that reducing patient drug co-payments can lead to improved hypertension control and treatment adherence in countries without universal healthcare. The authors suggest minimizing medication co-payments as a way to improve outcomes for high blood pressure patients worldwide.
A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals that pay-to-delay deals can lead to significantly higher prices for generic versions of drugs, harming consumer welfare and health services. The research suggests that moves to investigate and ban such agreements are justified due to anti-competitive practices.
The US Preventive Services Task Force found primary care interventions for preventing child maltreatment to be ineffective due to limited evidence. In contrast, diabetes patients on Medicare are two to three times more likely to use brand-name drugs than VA patients, at an added annual cost of $1 billion.
A nationwide study found Medicare beneficiaries are two to three times more likely to use brand-name drugs for diabetes and other conditions compared to VA patients. This difference in prescribing habits resulted in an estimated $1.4 billion savings in Medicare Part D spending if generic use matched the VA's approach.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that evergreening strategies, which extend patent life of brand drugs, increased healthcare costs in Geneva, Switzerland. The researchers analyzed the cost of eight follow-on drugs and found that replacing them with generics could have saved €15.9 million to €14.4 million.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that cancer drug shortages have left physicians unable to prescribe standard chemotherapies for a range of cancers. As a result, many doctors are forced to delay or substitute treatment, leading to increased costs and potential harm to patients.
A new study found that disabled Medicare patients under 65 who face cost barriers to medication adherence are more likely to have emergency department visits. The study revealed that 38.3% of patients with severe cost-related non-adherence had at least one ER visit, compared to 27.5% without CRN.
A new report suggests that breaking up the relationship between physicians and drug companies could lead to improved healthcare and cost savings. Researchers from Oregon State University found that avoiding conflicts of interest and replacing industry-funded information with peer-reviewed sources can help physicians make more informed ...
The University of Maryland Medical Center is now offering genetic testing to help doctors determine the best medication for each patient, based on their unique genetic makeup. This personalized medicine initiative aims to improve the quality of care provided to cardiac patients.
The article reports on a major examination of the status of new drugs for rare diseases, which affect 200,000 patients or fewer. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in research and marketing new medicines, driven by factors such as patient advocacy groups, venture capital firms, and government incentives.
A new study proposes a 'Medicare Essential' plan that combines Medicare's hospital, physician, and prescription drug coverage with private supplemental coverage to simplify benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs. The plan aims to save $180 billion over 10 years while improving care for beneficiaries.
A new study from the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment shows Medicaid coverage substantially reduced depression and eliminated catastrophic medical expenditures, increasing diabetes diagnosis and medication use among low-income adults. However, it had no detectable effect on physical health outcomes such as hypertension, high choleste...
The US and other high-income countries struggle to achieve the 'Triple Aim', a goal of better health, care, and lower cost. The article highlights strategies and tactics that can be learned from other countries.