Articles tagged with Drug Costs
A study led by University of Michigan physicians shows a single dose of indomethacin can prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis, reducing hospitalizations and costs. The medication is part of a category of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibits an inflammatory response in the pancreas.
A study found that higher out-of-pocket costs for asthma medications in children were associated with lower medication use and increased asthma-related hospitalizations. The findings highlight the need for strategies to improve medication adherence, such as routine access to primary care and pulmonary specialists.
A recent US study found that higher out-of-pocket costs for children's medication are associated with reduced medication use and increased hospitalizations. The study, which analyzed data from over 8,000 patients, suggests that parents may be less sensitive to cost when making decisions for their younger children.
A meta-analysis of 32,053 patients found warfarin to be effective in preventing strokes and non-central nervous system embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, elderly patients, women, and those with previous stroke or TIA were at higher risk.
A new study estimates the total economic burden of fragility fractures in the European Union at €39 billion EUR, with hip fractures contributing to over half of all costs. The study highlights the need for preventive action to address the growing number of seniors and estimated doubling of fractures by 2050.
Researchers at Florida State University have developed a new technology that miniaturizes the drug-discovery process, making it significantly cheaper. This innovation could lead to personalized chemotherapy treatments and increased access to high-quality healthcare.
Most Medicare beneficiaries with kidney failure (64%) participate in Part D coverage, with 72% receiving financial assistance. Those without assistance often opt for more expensive plans due to the need for intensive medication therapy.
A telephone-based counseling program using motivational interviewing showed modest improvements in medication adherence for certain subgroups, such as younger patients and those without previous fractures. However, the overall effect was no statistically significant improvement in adherence rates compared to a control group.
Researchers are taking a new approach to developing medications that boost levels of good cholesterol, removing it from the body. Three new versions of CETP blockers show promise as viable new heart drugs, but final judgment may be years away.
A recent review highlights the growing concern of counterfeit medicines being sold online and turning up in legitimate supply chains. The study found that nearly 75 billion dollars worth of fake drugs are sold globally each year, putting millions of lives at risk.
The Southeast Minnesota Beacon Community, led by Mayo Clinic, is showcasing its work on health information exchange (HIE) technology at the HiMSS Conference. The team has developed a system that enables the transfer of patient data between healthcare providers in real-time, improving continuity of care and reducing costs.
A computer model used by researchers at Stanford University found that new triple-therapies for genotype-1 hepatitis C are cost-effective for patients with advanced disease. The treatment options have more severe side effects and boost costs, but help these patients avoid costly cancers and liver transplants.
A study led by University of Nottingham found that pharmacist-led intervention schemes can significantly reduce prescribing errors in general practices. The scheme involves a pharmacist working with GPs to identify and correct medication errors, resulting in reductions of up to 50 percent in errors related to specific medications.
The financial burden of prescription drugs is decreasing, with generic medications playing a key role. In 2008, over 8 million nonelderly Americans faced high drug-cost burdens, with nearly 1/4 living in families where out-of-pocket costs accounted for more than half of all healthcare expenses.
A Pittsburgh study found that regional differences in Medicare drug spending are primarily due to the use of more expensive brand-name drugs, rather than volume. The study suggests that promoting the use of generic medications could lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and save Medicare money.
The article proposes an ethical framework to guide coverage decisions for expensive orphan drugs, considering the tension between saving lives and avoiding unfair advantages to identifiable patients. It suggests evaluating potential health gains in context and weighing opportunity costs to determine acceptable expenditure.
Research on US healthcare overuse is understudied, but a new study identifies contributing factors and suggests strategies for improvement. The study found that rates of overuse vary widely across services and interventions.
Mephedrone users in the UK are eager to try new legal highs due to declining quality and rising prices. They prioritize substance purity over scientific research and online reviews, with some seeking a safer alternative to the already illicit substance.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute develop simple process for artemisinin synthesis using waste product from current production as starting substance. The new method uses photochemistry to incorporate an endoperoxide group into the molecule, producing large volumes of artemisinin under controlled conditions. This could cover global de...
A Scripps-led study published in JAMA finds that the new drug cangrelor successfully 'bridges' patients with recent stents to cardiac surgery without excessive bleeding. The trial showed 99% of cangrelor-treated patients maintained target levels of platelet inhibition.
A recent UBC study reveals that 9.6% of Canadians report not filling their prescriptions due to cost concerns, with those without drug insurance facing significant challenges. Individuals without insurance are 4.5 times more likely to avoid prescribed medications, while those with low incomes are 3.3 times more likely to skip doses.
A study by the University of British Columbia and others found that one in four people without drug insurance cannot afford to fill prescriptions. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,300 participants who reported cost-related nonadherence due to lack of affordable medication options.
Researchers found that a brief adherence program improves blood sugar test results and depression symptoms in patients with Type 2 diabetes and depression. The study showed that 60.9% of patients with integrated care had improved blood sugar test results, compared to 35.7% with usual primary care.
Emerging evidence-based interventions can make drugs less available, reduce violence in drug markets, and lessen misuse of legal drugs. The Lancet Series on Addiction suggests that policy makers should focus on interventions with the largest potential population effect and strongest evidence of effectiveness.
A study found that consumers expect communal principles in churches and pharmaceutical companies, but become outraged when they prioritize commercial interests. Organizations can communicate with consumers by framing their motives as part of their community's shared values.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eliminating copayments for heart attack medications increased patient adherence, reducing major vascular events and healthcare spending. Rates of combined endpoint were not significantly improved, but individual outcomes such as readmission and angina showed significant reductions.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, have discovered a new process to manufacture ultra-low molecular weight heparin drug. The discovery uses chemicals and enzymes to reduce production steps from 50 to 10-12, increasing yield 500-fold and decreasing cost.
A Wayne State University researcher is using a three-year grant to examine the links between stress and drug use in heroin users. The study aims to understand how pharmacologically induced stress affects decisions to seek money or drugs.
A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that taking blood pressure-lowering medications at bedtime improves blood pressure control and reduces the risk of heart problems. Patients who took their medications before bed had better outcomes than those who took them in the morning.
The Common Drug Review introduced in 2003 standardized the process for public drug plans, covering 39% of Canada's $31 billion in forecasted drug costs. The review led to a significant decrease in drug listings, with smaller provinces experiencing earlier access to new drugs.
Research found that drug company stock prices increased by 13.7% before positive phase III clinical trials and decreased by 0.7% before negative trials. The study also showed that stock prices of established companies with positive trial results were more likely to increase than those of smaller companies with negative trial results.
The University of Texas at Austin researchers have been awarded NIH grants to create novel therapeutics for treating heart disease. They will also develop technology to significantly reduce the time and costs required to test drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.
University of Missouri researchers recommend a personal systems approach that focuses on integrating medication taking into daily routines, involving supportive people and tracking adherence. This approach aims to address the high costs associated with non-adherence, including hospitalizations and wasted medications.
A University of Chicago Medical Center expert argues that taking oral anti-cancer medications with food could reduce overdose risks and save patients money. The medication ZYTIGA is a prime example, where taking it with food can increase its effectiveness by up to tenfold.
A new study examining direct-to-consumer drug ads on TV aims to determine whether these ads educate patients and improve health or drive up sales. The researchers will analyze data from millions of patients using Nielsen Media Research and healthcare utilization data.
A global study reveals that cheap, preventive medicines are underused to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The study found that women take these medicines less frequently than men, and low-income countries have the lowest usage rates. Generic preparations with expired patents should be prescribed more widely to patients at risk.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients in integrated healthcare systems with electronic health records and linked pharmacies are more likely to collect their new prescriptions for diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure medications. The study revealed primary non-adherence rates of 7% for blood pressure medication, 11% fo...
The PURE study found extreme under-use of proven secondary CVD prevention therapies worldwide, particularly in middle and low-income countries. Common medications like aspirin and statins were under-utilized seven-fold between high and low income countries, highlighting a massive treatment gap.
A global study by McMaster researchers found that too few patients are using simple, cheap, and proven drugs to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The study, which included data from 17 countries, found significant gaps in the use of these medications, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that temporary emergency department staff are more likely to be involved in medication errors that harm patients. The research found that temporary workers' unfamiliarity with hospital systems, protocols, and procedures increases the risk of serious medical errors.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that reducing financial assistance for Medicare patients could result in an additional 18,000 patients discontinuing one or more prescriptions annually. The lack of funding led to a decrease in drug switching despite government advice to switch to generic or low-cost drugs.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a pocket-sized sensor that can detect 'date rape' drugs with 100% accuracy. The sensor works by detecting subtle changes in the optical properties of the drink, alerting users to potential danger.
Research at National Jewish Health found that poorly controlled asthma doubles healthcare costs, with children missing an average of 18 days of school annually. Proper education and supervision can improve asthma control and reduce costs, improving the lives and chances for success of affected children.
A study found that one in ten elderly Medicare patients skip prescribed medication due to cost, regardless of cancer presence. Cancer survivors and non-survivors show similar rates of cost-related non-adherence, using strategies like generic medications and price comparisons.
A study found that Medicare Part D implementation led to significant reductions in nondrug medical spending, particularly for inpatient care. The reduction was attributed to increased medication use and adherence among beneficiaries with limited prior drug coverage.
A new study examines the cost-effectiveness of MS drugs in the US, finding that they come at a high cost compared to basic therapy and other chronic diseases. The research suggests that reducing medication prices by 67% could improve the cost-benefit ratio and support earlier disease-modifying therapy.
A study analyzed data from 844 individuals with early-stage Multiple Sclerosis and found that disease-modifying drugs provide modest health gains, but their cost is more than 8 times higher than considered reasonable. The study's authors highlight the need to reevaluate treatment costs to control healthcare expenses.
Researchers advocate for expanded EHR use to address medical errors and improve care quality. Implementing Joint Commission's 2011 National Patient Safety Goals into EHR criteria can help fast-track the use of EHRs for patient safety.
A new study published in Addiction found that women in drug court with current major depression were more likely to use crack cocaine within four months. The study suggests that addressing depression could reduce the number of women who fail to beat crack addiction in drug court.
A recent study shows that generic medications can reduce the cost of treating chronic diseases by up to 80%, making preventive care a more affordable option. The research team recommends policy makers promote the use of generics in treatment standards and educate physicians and patients about their effectiveness.
Independent reviews report that many new drugs offer few advantages over existing ones, with median development costs ranging from $13 million to $333 million. This challenges the oft-quoted cost of bringing a new drug to market as high as $1.32 billion.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that generic anti-epilepsy drugs have varying levels of effectiveness, particularly when switched between two generics, raising concerns about safe dosing practices. The study highlights the need for policy makers to evaluate standards for generic drugs' similarity to brand-name versions.
The prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the US has increased significantly over the past two decades, with a 34% rise from 1988-1994 to 2005-2008. The estimated numbers of persons with DKD have also increased, from 3.9 million in 1988-1994 to 6.9 million in 2005-2008.
An international study of 11,910 patients from 7 countries found that poorly coordinated care and cost-related barriers significantly increased the risk of medication and medical errors. Poorly co-ordinated care was associated with a 110% to 200% increase in errors, while cost-related barriers increased the risk by 50% to 160%.
A new study found that US Medicaid's Preferred Drug Lists vary widely from state to state, ignoring international guidelines for safe and effective medications. The WHO Essential Medicines List is not used as a basis for state lists, resulting in patients receiving more expensive and less effective treatments.
A peer-reviewed study involving over 3 million pharmacy patients found that Shellpak calendar blister packaging significantly improved prescription adherence behavior. The study showed a substantial cumulative public health benefit when broadly implemented, with improvements in refill persistence and full refill adherence.
Recent study finds glaucoma medication spending has risen, especially among women and those with public health insurance and less education. The average expenditure per patient for glaucoma medication increased from $445 to $557 between 2001 and 2006.
A new study found that colonoscopies done with suboptimal bowel preparation are associated with relatively high adenoma miss rates, indicating a decrease in colonoscopy effectiveness. The study suggests that early repeat colonoscopies may be necessary to ensure accurate detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
A study of over 1,000 patients with colon cancer found that 13% received unproven chemotherapy regimens, resulting in unnecessary side effects and costs totaling millions. The researchers emphasize the importance of evidence-based treatment for cancer patients to avoid harming them with ineffective therapies.
Researchers found that alemtuzumab is as safe and effective as basiliximab or antithymocyte globulin in preventing organ rejection after kidney transplant. The study's results suggest that the less expensive drug option could lead to cost savings without compromising patient outcomes.