Articles tagged with Drug Costs
A recent study found nearly 50% of pharmacies in Zambia do not carry antiepileptic drugs, hindering efforts to treat the condition. The lack of affordable treatment options is attributed to cost, regulatory issues, and logistics challenges.
The use of bespoke drugs in primary care is associated with high costs, lack of transparency, and legal pitfalls. The review calls for a major overhaul to reduce unnecessary prescribing and improve patient safety.
A recent study found that 42% of underinsured children's health suffered due to unaffordable care. Children with private insurance were twice as likely to be underinsured than those with public insurance.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine found no significant difference in visual acuity or anatomic outcomes between patients treated with Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Ranibizumab (Lucentis) for age-related macular degeneration. Patients receiving Avastin underwent more frequent injections, but the results showed similar improvem...
A study found that up to 86% of people in low- and middle-income countries would be pushed into poverty if they purchased life-saving medicines. Generic versions of these medicines are generally more affordable than originator brand products.
Quebec's lead on publicly funding smoking cessation pharmacotherapies could benefit all Canadians, with a potential gain of 1.9 million life-years. Full financial reimbursement significantly improves abstinence rates and extends the lifespan of former smokers.
Patients undergoing bariatric surgery showed significant reduction in diabetes medication use, with over 80% eliminating medications one year post-surgery. The study suggests that bariatric surgery may lead to improved glucose control and lower healthcare costs for obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Despite high burden of disease, many cancers are preventable or treatable with generic drugs, education, and training. Initiatives like vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B virus can significantly impact cancer mortality. GTF.CCC aims to support existing initiatives and improve health systems in LMICs.
A new study found that expensive brand-name medications for high blood pressure are no better than generic diuretics in preventing cardiovascular disease. The ALLHAT trial, which followed patients with high blood pressure for eight to 13 years, showed that the diuretic was superior in two measures: stroke death rate and hospitalization...
A study found that improved Medicare Part D coverage led to an increase in antibiotic use among older adults, especially for broader-spectrum antibiotics. This suggests that reimbursement may play a role in addressing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and use.
The UK government's £50 million emergency cancer fund is under fire for its potential to favor patients based on geographical location rather than medical need. The Lancet Editorial argues that this policy undermines the principles of evidence-based medicine and rational healthcare resource allocation.
The International AIDS Conference promotes novel treatment methods, antiretroviral-based prevention options and the development of a cure. Key findings include the potential use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent infections and the need for universal access to lifesaving treatment.
A panel of experts recommends translating laboratory findings into medicines that can benefit the aging population, with a focus on regenerative therapies and lifestyle improvements.
Researchers studied how Medicare Part D impacts prescription costs, generic drug use, coverage for previously uninsured beneficiaries, pharmacy reimbursement, and beneficiary experiences with MTM services. The analysis found significant effects on prescribing habits and out-of-pocket spending.
A team of MIT chemists has designed a new way to attach trifluoromethyl groups to compounds, which could allow pharmaceutical companies to create and test new drugs faster and more efficiently. The new synthesis uses a palladium catalyst and achieved yields ranging from 70 to 94 percent.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that Medicare cuts to physician payments for outpatient chemotherapy drugs increased treatment rates among Medicare recipients. The study analyzed data from 222,478 beneficiaries with lung cancer and found a 2.4% increase in chemotherapy treatment within one month of diagnosis.
A University of Pittsburgh study reveals significant regional variations in Medicare drug spending, with some areas paying out double the amount spent by others. The research also shows that increased spending on prescription drugs does not lead to reduced spending on other medical services.
Researchers will investigate person-to-person transmission of XDR-TB using advanced epidemiologic techniques and social network analysis. The findings could alter public health approaches for controlling the XDR-TB epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that fatal medication errors peak in July at teaching hospitals where new medical residents are on duty. The authors suggest re-evaluating responsibilities and increasing education on medication safety to reduce errors.
Fatal medication errors peak in July among new medical residents, especially in counties with teaching hospitals. Increased supervision and education on medication safety may reduce these errors.
A new international trial is testing a 1-a-day combined 'polypill' to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The Red Heart Pill contains low-dose aspirin, statins, and blood pressure-lowering medicines, potentially saving millions of lives across the world by making cardiovascular drugs more accessible to low-income countries.
Research found that patients who discontinued OAB medication were more bothered by symptoms and had a medical diagnosis for conditions like incontinence. Smoking and certain health issues also increased the likelihood of stopping medication.
A novel pouch system developed by Duke University researchers can provide a potentially life-saving dose of an anti-HIV medication to newborn babies born at home. The system uses foil and plastic pouches that can hold a single dose of Nevirapine, allowing mothers to give their newborns treatment shortly after birth.
A new study has found that oral naltrexone can reduce both alcohol- and non-alcohol-related healthcare costs for patients with alcohol-use disorders. The medication was found to be effective in reducing healthcare expenditures, particularly among those with an alcohol-related diagnosis.
A new study found that women and patients with dementia and diabetes are most likely to enter the Medicare Part D coverage gap, facing significant out-of-pocket drug expenses. The researchers suggest medication cost-counseling interventions for these clinically vulnerable subpopulations may be warranted.
A new study identifies women and patients with diabetes and dementia as most likely to fall into Medicare's 'donut hole', a gap in coverage where beneficiaries face unsubsidized medication costs. Researchers recommend doctor-patient counseling to manage drug regimens and prevent adverse effects on patients' health.
Comparative effectiveness studies rarely examine the effects of nonpharmacologic interventions, cost-effectiveness, or safety. Most studies (87%) were funded by noncommercial entities, but only 10 included non-pharmacologic therapies in medication comparisons. Increased funding is necessary to support these studies.
A study published in Nature Methods found that introducing as few as two controlled environmental variables to preclinical mice tests can significantly reduce costly false positives and the number of animals needed for testing. This approach challenges traditional standardization efforts in animal testing.
Three young scientists will receive financial support to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting to present their research on topics including a science teaching strategy, HIV medication synthesis, and DNA integrity analysis. The award aims to help them attain careers in their chosen fields.
Research on patient access schemes found that refunds were not always passed on to primary care trusts, leading to financial losses. The study also identified the need for flexibility in processing claims and standardized templates to streamline administration.
The review highlights the growing problem of counterfeit internet drugs, with estimates suggesting up to 90% of these illegal preparations are now sold online. The study found that 44% of Viagra offered on the internet is counterfeit, posing risks to patients and undermining healthcare systems.
The cost of psoriasis treatments has increased faster than inflation, with newer biologic therapies being significantly more expensive. Costs for systemic therapy range from $1,197 to $27,577, with phototherapy and biologics having varying price ranges.
Researchers found that patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol who ordered medications by mail were more likely to take them as prescribed. Mail-order pharmacy users had a financial incentive to fill prescriptions and lived farther from local pharmacies.
Researchers at ACS' Organic Letters journal have created a more affordable version of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu by leveraging D-ribose, a naturally occurring sugar. The new process could significantly reduce production costs, making it easier to distribute the medication globally.
A Canadian study found that mortality rates among lower-income individuals with diabetes have increased, even as overall mortality rates from the disease have decreased. The study highlights the need to address barriers to adequate diabetes care in low-income populations.
A Johns Hopkins-led study finds that while the US has more accessible high-priced cancer drugs, many patients in both countries face financial obstacles due to high out-of-pocket costs. The UK system is considered fairer, but both nations struggle with rationing and end-of-life care decisions.
A study found racial disparities in medication use among elderly adults, with blacks facing higher rates of non-adherence and related problems. Blacks were prescribed fewer medications but had significantly more issues, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to improve medication quality for this group.
Researchers analyzed internet offers for free or discounted prescription medications and found that their value is low compared to retail costs. The studies also revealed that efficacy and safety information were often de-emphasized in favor of promotional messaging.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) for clopidogrel had no significant effect on sales, contributing to a $207 million price increase for Medicaid. The study suggests that pharmaceutical companies may be passing on ad costs to consumers through higher prices.
A study found that direct-to-consumer advertising for clopidogrel led to a 12% increase in cost per unit, resulting in $40.58 added pharmacy costs per 1,000 Medicaid enrollees per quarter. Overall, this increased total pharmacy expenditures by $207 million.
A new study from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that purchasing prescription drugs in three-month supplies rather than one-month supplies can reduce out-of-pocket costs by an average of 29% for patients. The total savings, including third-party payers, averaged 18%, with estimated annual savings of $148.6 million.
A new NIH study led by Stanford University School of Medicine researcher Mark Hlatky found that drug therapy is more cost-effective than angioplasty for diabetic patients with mild-to-moderate heart disease. The study showed an average savings of $11,000 per patient over four years.
The research found that patients with schizophrenia from diverse countries and healthcare systems shared similar symptoms, treatment regimens, and socio-economic challenges. Key findings included high rates of antipsychotic polypharmacy and hospitalizations, as well as significant sexual dysfunction.
A study found that computerized alerts can reduce the prescription of heavily marketed sleep medications by 23.3% compared to generic equivalents. The alerts provided additional information on co-payments and patient education, leading to a change in clinician behavior.
A diverse group of organizations released five policy recommendations to promote better medication adherence and improved health outcomes. The recommendations focus on quality improvement, care coordination, health information technology, patient/provider education and engagement, and health services research.
A new national network, TETRAD, will create a large database of treatment-response data and repository of DNA and blood cells from RA patients. This effort aims to predict which drugs will work best for individual patients and improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of current treatments.
The development of new pharmaceuticals is being stifled by patent challenges that increase generic competition, according to researchers. The number of new compounds approved annually has fallen, and the effective life of key patents will continue to decline, leading to revenue declines in the industry.
A recent study published in the journal Transplantation has found that a newer, less expensive anti-rejection drug is just as effective as its more expensive counterpart, alemtuzumab. The researchers, led by Alan C. Farney, compared the two drugs and found similar survival rates for patients and transplanted organs.
The study found that uncertainty regarding clinical effectiveness is a key issue in coverage decisions. The agencies make recommendations consistent with evidence on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness but other factors often play important roles.
A large international study reveals patients with vascular disease experience a surprisingly high rate of recurring events such as strokes, heart attacks, and hospitalizations. Patients in Eastern Europe had the highest rate, while those in Australia and Japan had the lowest.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that Medicare Part D has exceeded initial expectations, with most seniors now having access to affordable prescription drug coverage. The program has been particularly successful in lowering costs for the poor and disabled.
The UCSF team emphasizes that outpatient care for chronic disease patients poses unique challenges, including lack of communication, inadequate resources, and medication management. To improve safety, the authors advocate for targeted safety promotion efforts and robust health information technology systems.
A new global subsidy, Affordable Medicines Facility–malaria (AMFm), will be rolled out in 2009 to address poor access to artemisinin combination therapies for malaria. The authors argue that the AMFm should focus on quality patient care by funding fixed dose combinations and rapid diagnostic tests.
Researchers from Brown University and Harvard School of Public Health found that Brazil's efforts to treat people living with HIV/AIDS using generic medicines saved the country over $1 billion. The study also showed that the country was able to contain the virus, minimize its spread, and provide treatment to over 660,000 Brazilians.
A recent study found that cardiovascular medication costs in Canada increased by 200% over the past decade, reaching $5 billion in 2020. The study highlights the need for cost-effective medications to ensure sustainable public drug insurance programs.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Medicare Part D led to increased pharmacy spending among beneficiaries, particularly those with limited or no prior drug coverage. However, this increase was offset by decreased spending on other medical care services such as hospitalizations and doctor visits.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found a significant association between lower urinary tract symptoms and metabolic syndrome. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,900 men and discovered that those with mild to severe LUTS were more likely to suffer from MetS.
The UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved the use of lenalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma who have received two or more previous therapies. The approval is based on robust data showing that lenalidomide can increase survival by over three months compared to dexamethasone.
Comparative effectiveness research can significantly improve health care quality and affordability if done correctly. Two key challenges are obtaining data earlier in the life cycle of new drugs and linking evidence to strategies that modify physician practice. The expert also highlights the need for a broader agenda, including lifesty...
A study found that specialty tiering and high coinsurance in Medicare Part D plans impose a heavy financial burden on rheumatoid arthritis patients. Patients with high-cost biologic DMARDs may delay or discontinue therapy due to high out-of-pocket costs.