Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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 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.
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.
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.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that nearly 30% of women with osteoporosis fail to pick up their bisphosphonate prescriptions within 60 days. The study identified patient and physician characteristics, such as age, emergency department utilization, and prescription medication use, that contribute to nonadherence.
A new study found that approximately half of Tamiflu prescriptions were unused in England during the 2009-10 influenza pandemic. The unused medication represents around 600,000 courses and a significant financial cost to the UK taxpayer.
A new study reveals that Canada is the country least capable of effectively managing its drug pricing regime due to its unique universal healthcare system. The researchers suggest three principles - pragmatism, discipline, and transparency - for developing an effective pricing strategy.
A UCLA study found that heart failure medications recommended by national guidelines are highly cost-effective in saving lives and may also provide savings to the healthcare system. The combination of these medical therapies demonstrated the greatest gains in quality-adjusted life years for heart failure patients.
A national survey of health professionals found that cancer drug shortages disrupt chemotherapy administration, increase costs, and add to the risk of adverse patient outcomes. The survey, conducted by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, reports that 98% of respondents experienced a shortage in the previous year.
The European League Against Rheumatism recommends immediate use of synthetic DMARDs after diagnosis, but they are expensive. The survey found that 26 countries cannot afford biological DMARDs, excluding 320 million people from treatment.
A study published in Population Health Management found that eliminating co-payments for diabetes-related medications and supplies improved patient self-management of their condition. Nearly 90% of participants reported better disease management after the program's initiation.
A new Pitt study found that generic drug coverage is cost-effective compared to no coverage for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Generic coverage improved health outcomes and reduced medical costs, with savings of $570-$1,312 per year.
Research finds no significant linear trend pointing to a decline in UK new drug introductions between 1982-2011, contrary to widely-held views. The number of new drugs introduced has fluctuated, with dips followed by surges, indicating an overall slight increase over the past 40 years.
Research shows that asthma sufferers in the UK are putting their lives at risk by relying on short-acting bronchodilators instead of preventive medication. The main reasons for this behaviour include cost and stigma, with many young adults feeling embarrassed to use inhalers in public.
A new Northwestern University study found that US veterans diagnosed with GERD are frequently prescribed high doses of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and kept on the drug for too long. The researchers evaluated over 1,600 patients and found that nearly 25% were given high total daily dose prescriptions.
Researchers suggest that a small number of cheap generic drugs can treat most non-communicable diseases (NCDs), improving availability in poorer nations. Better selection and sourcing of generics, as well as increased investment and policies, are key to making life-saving medicines affordable to all.
The study found that Medicaid drug selection committees' conflicts of interest (COI) policies are not transparent and vary widely. Current policies often rely on disclosure and self-recusal, but only a small percentage ban certain industry relationships.
Patients attending a family practice clinic will be offered genetic testing to see how they respond to psychiatric medication. The tests, which analyze variations on five genes, can help physicians predict which medications are safe and effective for each patient.
A new study by health economists at the University of York has produced an estimate of the impact on other NHS patients of new and more costly drugs and treatments. The research suggests a refinement of NICE's cost-effectiveness threshold, potentially leading to lower prices for new drugs when value-based pricing is introduced.
Scientists have developed a new and more efficient way to make paliperidone, a widely used medication for severe mental illness, reducing solvent use and increasing yield.
A new study led by UCLA researcher Dr. Derjung Tarn found that a simple training program improved physicians' ability to communicate key facts about prescribed medications, including potential side effects and medication adherence. The intervention resulted in higher ratings from patients on communication about medications.
A new scoring system developed by researchers identifies independent risk factors associated with gastrointestinal bleeding in non-ICU hospital patients. The system enables clinicians to selectively use acid-suppressive medications when needed, saving costs and avoiding side effects.
A new study applies quantitative modeling to genomics, estimating the time and money required to use genomics to cut drug-related adverse outcomes in half. The model suggests a cost of less than $10 billion spread out over approximately 20 years.
Major pharmaceutical companies are losing patents on best-selling drugs, leading to a focus on pairing low costs with high quality and exploring new research partnerships. This shift is raising hopes for new drugs and profits in the industry as it seeks innovative solutions to revitalize sales.
A €26.4 million European public-private partnership, led by the University of Manchester and GlaxoSmithKline, aims to create sustainable pharmaceuticals manufacturing processes using biotechnology. The CHEM21 project will establish a European research hub to develop training packages and provide information on green chemistry.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that combining better physical fitness and statins significantly improves survival in people with unhealthy blood fat or cholesterol levels. Moderate intensity physical activity can be achieved through walking, gardening, and gym classes, making it a feasible option for many middle-aged adul...
A Kaiser Permanente study of 5,216 patients found that those who received automated reminders were 1.6 times more likely to fill prescriptions for cholesterol-lowering statins than those without reminders. The percentage of patients who picked up their prescriptions increased from 26% to 42% after the intervention.
The Canadian premiers' commitment to reduce generic drug prices is a significant change. The government should learn from past attempts and aim for universal public coverage for medications.
A private-market approach to delivering malaria treatments has increased access to care and reduced the use of less effective treatments in Africa. The 'Coca-Cola' model, which uses shops and market stalls to distribute affordable medications, has been shown to broaden the availability of effective therapies.
The AMFm programme has improved access to affordable ACTs in eight countries, with over 155 million doses subsidised between 2010 and 2011. Market share of artemisinin monotherapies decreased in several countries, and private sector QAACT prices fell by up to 80%.
Researchers suggest designing cost-sharing strategies in line with evidence-based screening guidelines to reduce expenditures. They also recommend improving communication about the risks and benefits of treatment, as well as changes to financial incentives for physicians.
A study published in Health Affairs found that only 5.2% of Medicare beneficiaries chose the least-expensive Part D plan that satisfied their medical needs, resulting in an average annual overspend of $368. Researchers recommend educational programs and assistance to help beneficiaries make informed plan choices.
Research from UAlberta finds that overweight and obese children aged 12-19 are 59% more likely to take prescription medication. This trend contributes to higher health-care costs for treating childhood obesity.
A recent editorial highlights the importance of correct inhaler technique for asthma and respiratory conditions, as only a third of medication reaches the lungs when used incorrectly. Healthcare professionals also need training to effectively coach patients.
Cancer drugs are administered sequentially or in combination, creating a virtual monopoly for each drug. Value-based pricing is a potential solution to address the high cost of cancer therapy.
Indiana University chemists have developed a new synthesis of artemisinin, allowing for the production of fully synthetic artemisinin on a gram scale. This breakthrough could help reduce the cost of the life-saving antimalarial drug and increase its availability worldwide.
In 2011, Americans took a record 4.02 billion prescription drugs, with antidepressants and ADHD medicines showing notable increases in sales. The growth of prescriptions is attributed to the rising demand for CNS disorders medications.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against annual screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women due to potential harms. Reduced out-of-pocket expenses can improve medication adherence for chronic conditions, with case management and patient education showing strong evidence.
The public favors treating patients with serious conditions, including cancer, if it reduces burden on carers or offers substantial health benefits. However, the majority oppose a ring-fenced budget for cancer drugs, which would prioritize cancer treatments over other equally serious conditions.