Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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.
A study of 409 metastatic colorectal cancer patients found that 10% were worried about paying for supportive medications, while fewer than 15% adopted money-saving strategies. Despite this, only 12% discussed drug costs with their physicians.
A study by HealthCore found that MS patients managed by a specialty pharmacy program were more compliant with their medications, resulting in a higher medication possession ratio of 86 percent. This led to a lower risk of hospitalization for the disease and reduced medical costs.
Researchers found that a self-treatment program for COPD patients led to fewer exacerbation days and increased medication use. This resulted in cost savings due to reduced hospitalizations and healthcare contacts. The study suggested that implementing such programs could help manage COPD effectively.
Researchers argue that providing free drug samples to patients is ineffective in improving access for the indigent, promotes irrational prescribing habits, and raises healthcare costs. The practice also leads to misused samples being distributed to those who cannot afford them, compromising health care quality.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that dialysis patients taking an average of 19 pills a day experience worsening quality of life. The high pill burden, largely due to phosphate binders, can lead to poorer physical and mental health outcomes.
A study found that women with severe premenstrual syndrome are more likely to relapse after stopping antidepressant medication, and shorter treatment durations may contribute to this risk. Women who achieved symptom remission during treatment were less likely to experience a relapse.
A new study found that women with arthritis are more likely to leave the workforce, while men may be more likely to remain working and report negative experiences. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 individuals aged 25-64 and found that greater education was associated with being in the labor force for both men and women.
A recent study by the RAND Corporation found that higher out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications deter patients with chronic illnesses from initiating recommended treatments. The delay in treatment is particularly pronounced among those who have not previously used medication, highlighting a potential barrier to care.
A recent study found that generic substitutes for alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are less effective in treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) than their branded counterparts. Men taking these generics experienced increased side effects, including dizziness, nasal congestion, and ejaculatory dysfunction.
NICE is expanding its programs and taking on new initiatives due to the Next Stage Review of the NHS. The institute will build a web-based portal called NHS Evidence, providing validated information for clinicians and managers.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that proton pump inhibitors do not improve asthma control in patients with persistent acid reflux. Researchers examined 402 adults with asthma over 24 weeks and found no benefits from treatment, saving patients unnecessary costs and potential side effects.
A study by Purdue University scientist Joseph Garner suggests treating mice as individuals instead of standardizing them can decrease false positive test results, ultimately reducing the cost of drug development. This approach could also benefit animal welfare by using fewer mice and eliminating unnecessary testing.
A recent study in Oregon found that drugs designed for severe mental illnesses are often prescribed at low doses and high expense for less serious conditions. This 'off-label' use can lead to unnecessary health risks and increased medical costs.
The NPHF co-sponsoring the OTC Advisor program, a free online training tool providing evidence-based information on OTC medications and home diagnostics. The program covers various health issues, including pain management, fever, and gastrointestinal disorders.
The US stimulus package is unlikely to address the financial struggles of cancer patients, who face high costs for treatment and uncertain treatment outcomes. The package's limited funding for cancer research and care may exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access.
A study found that one-third of El Paso residents cross the US-Mexico border to purchase medication and healthcare services. The lack of health insurance in El Paso is directly associated with this phenomenon.
A study of 15 coordinated care programs for Medicare beneficiaries found that only two resulted in reduced hospital admissions, with none generating net savings. The programs aimed to improve care and reduce costs for patients with chronic illnesses, but their effectiveness was limited.
A topical cyclosporine emulsion has been found to improve quality of life by 4.3 percent and reduce net cost by $598 per patient, making it a cost-effective treatment option for moderate to severe dry eye syndrome that does not respond to conventional therapy.
The economic cost of methamphetamine use in the US reached $23.4 billion in 2005, including addiction, premature death, and treatment expenses. The study found that nearly two-thirds of costs came from burden of addiction and crime, with lost productivity and drug treatment also significant contributors.
A study published in Health Affairs found that seniors in Medicare's doughnut hole gap reduced their medication use by 14% per month. The authors suggest mandating generic drug coverage to protect seniors and prevent potential healthcare costs from hospitalizations and physician visits.
The European Union's decision to allow orlistat to be sold OTC may not be beneficial for the public due to its limited effect on obesity management. The drug's high cost, approximately £1.47 per day in England, adds false credibility to quick fixes, highlighting the need for long-term lifestyle changes.
A report highlights the growing trend of US healthcare consumers purchasing unapproved prescription drugs online, driven by high prices and limited access to affordable treatments. This phenomenon carries significant social and policy implications, particularly in a period of economic recession.
The Lancet Series on Trade and Health highlights the need for health professionals to engage in trade debates due to their impact on global health. The series proposes reforming trade regimes to enhance health outcomes, including compulsory licensing of essential medicines in resource-poor countries.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that insomnia-related indirect costs are significantly higher than direct treatment costs. The total annual cost of insomnia in Quebec is estimated to be $6.5 billion, with lost productivity being the largest proportion of costs.
A study found that electronic prescribing systems can increase the use of lower-cost medications, reducing healthcare spending. The system, which uses a tiered copayment structure, helps clinicians track copayment tiers across insurance plans' formularies.
A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that antipsychotic drugs do not form homogeneous classes, with individual differences in efficacy, side effects, and cost. This challenges the traditional classification of 'first-generation' and 'second-generation' antipsychotics.
The NHS must make substantial changes in administration and management structure to effectively manage top-up payments and keep accurate records of patient care. The cost of drugs is not the only cost to the NHS, as patients who purchase drugs and stay in the hospital reduce resources for all remaining patients.
A meta-analysis of studies on generic vs. brand-name cardiovascular drugs found clinical equivalence in most cases, supporting the use of FDA bioequivalence ratings as a proxy for clinical efficacy. The study suggests that physicians and patients can rely on these ratings to make informed decisions about medication substitution.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved erlotinib as an alternative to docetaxel for NSCLC patients, with the manufacturer Roche offering a discounted price. This approval is part of a collaboration between NICE and manufacturers to reduce drug costs within the NHS.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that a quarter of submitted drug trials remain unpublished five years later. Trials with favorable outcomes were more likely to be published, while those without favorable outcomes often had outcomes omitted or altered to favor the test drug.
A study found that overusing medications containing barbiturates or narcotics can lead to more frequent migraine attacks. The use of these medications was associated with an increased risk of transformed migraine headaches, a form of migraine characterized by 15 or more days of headache per month.
A new forecasting method predicts a significant rise in demand for anti-malarial treatments due to the loss of effectiveness of current medications. The method aims to ensure an adequate supply of effective drugs by accurately predicting future demand, particularly in Africa where malaria affects millions.
A recent Canadian study found that asthma is being over-diagnosed in 30% of adults, with two-thirds able to safely stop taking medication. The study suggests that there may be a substantial over-diagnosis of asthma, potentially obscuring the true cause of symptoms.
A new study in PLoS Medicine argues that doctors should disclose off-label prescribing to patients to ensure informed consent and shared decision-making. Off-label prescriptions, which account for half of all US prescriptions, are often not supported by sound scientific evidence and can pose serious risks to patients.
A recent study found that the cost of treating colorectal cancer can range from tens of thousands of dollars, with newer therapies often costing significantly more than older agents. This variation in costs raises questions about access to care and the value of these treatments for patients.
A study found that diabetes treatment costs increased from $6.7 billion in 2001 to $12.5 billion in 2007, driven by the rise of newer, more expensive medications. The average number of medications per patient also increased, with only 47% prescribed a single drug in 2007.
The study reveals that diabetes prescriptions increased, with more medications prescribed per patient and higher costs, from $6.7 billion in 2001 to $12.5 billion in 2007. Insulin use decreased, while the use of newer drugs like glitazones increased.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that newer, more expensive diabetes medications do not automatically translate to improved patient outcomes. The study suggests that the higher cost of these medications may be due in part to increased use and diagnosis rates, rather than actual clinical benefits.
Patients who receive written and verbal instructions on proper warfarin use are less likely to experience gastrointestinal and brain bleeding problems. Improved doctor-patient communication may also prevent a substantial number of injuries and resulting hospitalizations.
A new drug class, ranolazine, has been approved for the treatment of chronic stable angina, providing a safe and effective alternative to existing treatments. Ranolazine has been shown to reduce anginal episodes by one attack per week and extend exercise time before an angina attack develops, with benefits seen in men more than women.
A study by University of Alberta researcher Ian Colman found that individuals who receive treatment for depression and anxiety are three times less likely to experience a relapse in the next decade. The research also highlights the significant economic benefits, as the estimated annual cost of depression in Canada is $14 billion.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham are investigating a triple cocktail of medicines to lower stroke risk in recovering patients. The study aims to determine if adding clopidogrel to aspirin and dipyridamole improves recovery outcomes.
Researchers found that uninsured patients were more likely to receive brand-name drugs after the clinic closed its drug sample closet, leading to increased costs. In contrast, Medicaid patients showed no significant change in generic prescribing despite the availability of free samples.
Rice University professors Ka-Yiu San and George Bennett have developed an eco-friendly bacterial process to speed up pharmaceutical production and reduce costs. The new method uses metabolically engineered E. coli cells to continually replenish the supply of NADPH, a critical cofactor in forming chiral compounds.
A new combination therapy using raltegravir has shown promising results in treating HIV, particularly in patients with highly resistant strains. The study found that 62% of patients achieved undetectable viral loads, while only 1 in 3 receiving a placebo showed similar reductions.
A world-leading political philosopher argues that international rules on intellectual property violate human rights by denying access to vital medicines. An alternative licensing system, the Health Impact Fund (HIF), is proposed to render the existing system human-rights compliant.
Researchers found a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in patients taking fish oil and red yeast rice supplements. The study suggests a comprehensive approach to lipid lowering could be effective for patients unwilling or unable to take statins.
Two studies published in Health Affairs found that consumer-driven health plan (CDHP) participants are more likely to discontinue medications for serious chronic conditions. Researchers warn that this behavior may lead to higher healthcare costs and poor health outcomes.
New research indicates that the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 has not led to significant changes in patient wait times or travel distance for chemotherapy treatment. The study found that the number of patients traveling farther for chemotherapy remained stable after 2003, with no major increases in wait times.
A new study found that up to 90% of people with asthma use their inhalers incorrectly, leading to poor control and increased healthcare costs. Pharmacists who received training on correct inhaler technique and provided personalized stickers for patients showed significant improvements in asthma severity and patient behavior.
People with epilepsy who fail to take their medication regularly are three times more likely to die compared to those who adhere to treatment. Hospital visits and emergency room visits also increase during periods of non-compliance, highlighting the importance of consistent medication adherence.
New research from Brandeis University finds that multi-tiered formularies requiring higher copayments for non-preferred medications reduce the use of antidepressants. The study, which analyzed data from a large nonprofit managed care organization, found that out-of-pocket spending increased while health plan spending per user decreased.
A new technology developed by University of Leeds engineers can monitor crystals as they form in drug manufacture, providing a method to ensure production of desired drug compounds. This can lead to huge delays and costly challenges for drug companies, but the technology has enormous commercial potential.
Researchers examine the impact of disease mongering on public discourse and its implications for healthcare policy. They argue that lax regulations risk exacerbating the problem, wasting valuable resources.