Articles tagged with Drug Costs
The US FDA has seen an 800% increase in new counterfeit cases between 2000 and 2006. Antimalarials are a particular target for counterfeiters, flooding the market in many Asian countries. Collaborative approaches involving governments, industries, and international organizations can help combat counterfeiting.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry estimates that major mental disorders result in significant losses of human productivity, with individuals with serious mental illness earning approximately $22,545 per year. The total economic burden is attributed to lost earnings and increased likelihood of unemployment.
The American College of Physicians issues guideline for screening osteoporosis in men over 65, emphasizing regular assessments with DEXA scans. A study finds little difference in fracture prevention between osteoporosis drugs risedronate, raloxifene, and alendronate.
Two studies found that Medicare Part D implementation led to small but significant decreases in cost-related medication nonadherence and spending less on basic needs, particularly among lower-income beneficiaries. However, knowledge gaps about Part D benefit structures limited beneficiaries' ability to manage medication costs.
A recent study examining the effect of Medicare Part D on financial hardship found that sickest patients are still skipping medications due to cost. Despite improvements in basic necessity cutting, medication adherence remains a concern for chronically ill individuals.
A study by Kaiser Permanente found that Medicare Part D beneficiaries who are unaware of their coverage gap tend to report higher costs and reduced ability to manage their medication needs. In contrast, those with better knowledge of their benefits were more likely to switch to less expensive medications.
A study found that testosterone spray increased frequency of sexually satisfying events in premenopausal women, but the effect was only significant for the middle dose. Conventional treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and sex therapy are recommended over hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers have developed a fast method to detect fake Tamiflu using Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (DESI-MS), which can analyze samples in under one minute. This new approach is crucial in the fight against counterfeit drugs, with potential applications for large-scale screening during pandemics.
A new study found that restrictive drug policies in Maine's Medicaid program led to a 29% increase in medication discontinuation among patients with schizophrenia. The policy, which required prior authorization for new medications, disrupted essential treatment and resulted in minimal cost savings.
A study found that relaxation response training significantly improved treatment of isolated systolic hypertension in elderly patients. The approach reduced the need for medication and cut healthcare costs by billions of dollars. By eliciting the relaxation response, participants experienced a significant drop in systolic blood pressure.
Despite increased life expectancy, Americans aged 65+ face disparities in health status, economic security, and education. Key findings include a widening gap in median net worth between white and black households, as well as lower life expectancies compared to other industrialized countries.
A recent study published in Medical Care found that patients who receive free drug samples have significantly higher out-of-pocket prescription costs than those who don't. The study analyzed data from over 5,700 patients and found that patients receiving samples spent an estimated $244 for a six-month period.
A recent study analyzing 5.47 million patient records in Catalonia found that prescription costs increase dramatically after age 65, with women being 23% more likely to be prescribed drugs. The average cost of prescriptions for patients over 65 is six-and-a-half times higher than those under 65.
Researchers have designed a sensor necklace called MagneTrace that records the exact time and date when specially-designed pills are swallowed, helping to increase drug compliance and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs. The device can notify both the patient and their doctor if prescribed dosage is not taken at the proper time.
A combination therapy of Prostacyclin, Sildenafil, and Bosentan improved a young male patient with severe portopulmonary hypertension, allowing him to undergo liver transplantation. The therapy was also used post-transplant to maintain his health.
A new study reveals that families of children with autism often experience substantial financial burdens, including high therapy costs and reduced lifestyle choices. Financial planners can help direct families to available resources and encourage smart spending decisions to mitigate these effects.
A home-based antiretroviral treatment programme significantly reduced HIV-related mortality and orphanhood in Uganda. The study found that daily ART and co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, with limited clinic visits and trained lay providers, resulted in a 95% reduction in mortality among adults with HIV.
A new study reveals that rheumatoid arthritis results in significant economic impact due to early retirement, with up to two-thirds of costs outside the healthcare sector. Patient access to disease-modifying biologic drugs is limited, particularly in Western Europe.
Researchers propose a new pricing plan where consumers pay an annual fee for medication access, potentially increasing patient compliance and reducing long-term health problems. The system could reduce periods of medication skipping due to cost, benefiting patients with chronic conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or asthma.
The use of medications in psychoanalysis is a topic of debate among professionals, with some advocating for cautious approach while others see its potential benefits. The American Psychoanalytic Association hosts a panel discussion to explore the uses of medications in analysis.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that while US residents have the highest out-of-pocket drug costs, they are less likely to take their medications compared to patients in other countries. High costs are only a partial reason for non-adherence, with policy factors also playing a role.
A study published in SLEEP finds that zolpidem extended-release improved sleep onset and maintenance, as well as concentration and morning sleepiness in people with chronic primary insomnia. The medication showed sustained benefits over six months, with no evidence of rebound insomnia upon drug discontinuation.
The management of glaucoma costs the US healthcare system approximately $2.5 billion per year, with glaucoma medications accounting for 38-52% of direct costs. Non-selective ß-blockers remain the most inexpensive class of glaucoma medications, while brand-name ß-blockers are consistently more expensive than their generic counterparts.
A multidrug regimen targeting high-risk individuals for cardiovascular disease could avert 17.9 million deaths globally, representing one-fifth of chronic disease-related deaths. The strategy would require an average yearly cost of $1.08 across 23 countries, with lower costs in low-income settings.
A new study predicts a 10-fold increase in ADHD prescription costs for the NHS, rising from £7m to £49-101m by 2012. The research modelled various scenarios and considered factors such as drug availability, diagnosis rates, and treatment levels.
A study found that Brazil's strategy of negotiating AIDS drug prices with multinational companies and producing generic drugs locally saved the country approximately $1 billion between 2001 and 2005. However, recent years have seen a significant rise in total AIDS drug costs, driven by increasing treatment numbers and longer life expec...
Researchers analyzed long-term cost trends of HAART drugs in Brazil, finding that while costs increased due to rising treatment needs, the country saved $1 billion through price negotiations with pharmaceutical companies. The study highlights the need for increased resources to achieve universal access to AIDS treatment.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that over half of heart attack patients discontinue taking prescribed medications within three years. Smokers are more likely to stop taking all their medications in the short term, while those in cardiac rehabilitation programs tend to continue medication at a higher rate than non-participants.
A Portland researcher argues that overly restrictive intellectual property laws slow the availability of existing medications as life-saving treatments. Berger suggests that 'use' patents involving new uses for old medications need to be reformed to encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop these drugs.
A major international study found mass drug treatment for lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) to be relatively inexpensive, costing $0.06 to $2.23 per person treated. The disease affects over 1.3 billion people worldwide and can be eradicated through once-yearly mass drug administration of two drugs.
Researchers have discovered that treating two or more neglected tropical diseases simultaneously with existing oral drug treatments can be effective and efficient. The treatment approach has the potential to save millions of lives annually, particularly in Africa where nearly 500 million people are at risk for these diseases.
Researchers found that Baicalin has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing the severity of acute pancreatitis in rats. The study suggests that Baicalin may be an effective treatment option for SAP, offering a promising therapeutic tool with low cost and extensive routes of administration.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that over one-third of patients receiving HIV medication in Africa discontinue treatment within two years. However, the average retention rate at two years was estimated at 61.6%, indicating some success in maintaining treatment. Researchers suggest improving retention rates by starting treatmen...
The University of Illinois Chicago has established a new center to study how consumers and clinicians make critical treatment decisions about therapeutic products. The center will design and test systems to optimize drug choice, monitoring, and safety, with the goal of improving healthcare outcomes.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology emphasizes the need for early intervention and preventive measures for mental disorders. The vast majority of people with mental disorders remain untreated, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
A Northwestern University study found nearly 50% of patients taking antihypertensive drugs can't accurately name a single medication, highlighting the need for improved medication reconciliation. Patients with low health literacy were more likely to be prescribed multiple medications and have higher blood pressure.
The new guideline recommends clinicians rely on evidence-based therapies, limit X-rays, and consider non-pharmacologic options like exercise therapy, chiropractic care, and massage. The guidelines aim to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and improve patient outcomes for low-back pain treatment.
A global review of Bug Buster Kits reveals they significantly reduce head lice infestations and alleviate social stigma. The kits are particularly effective when used by the whole school community, involving children, parents, and healthcare staff.
Most diabetes drug trials prioritize reducing blood sugar levels over patient-relevant outcomes like complication risk and quality of life. This can lead to ineffective treatments that cause more harm than good.
Middle-aged and older adults from African American and Latino backgrounds have poorer blood sugar control than their white counterparts, even when taking medications. The study identified medication adherence and emotional distress as key factors contributing to these disparities.
A systematic review of physician awareness found doctors underestimate expensive drugs' costs and overestimate inexpensive ones. Meanwhile, a policy paper reveals drug companies control research, writing, and publication of medical articles, often using medical education and communication companies to promote their interests.
Researchers developed a framework to address health-care information technology's unintended consequences, which can reduce medication errors but also produce unforeseen issues. They emphasize the need for real-time evaluations to identify and remedy these problems before they cause lasting harm.
A RAND Corporation study found that many seniors quit taking crucial medications for chronic illnesses when they reach their annual spending limits. The study suggests that drug caps may have unintended consequences, including increased hospitalizations and adverse health effects.
A new Mayo Clinic study published in Value in Health found no significant difference between abciximab and eptifibatide in hospital stay length or cardiovascular event rates. The study provides data to guide treatment decisions for heart patients undergoing angioplasty.
A £5 million investment will introduce personalized medicine treatments tailored for each patient's unique genetic make-up. The project aims to reduce drug side-effects and improve treatment efficacy.
A recent study found that diabetics who use insulin pens have significantly lower healthcare costs compared to those who use syringes. The annual average healthcare costs were nearly $17,000 lower for pen users than for syringe users, resulting in substantial savings to diabetics and their insurers.
The Lancet Editorial warns that hypertension's increasing burden will largely stem from poor lifestyles, with a staggering 90% risk of developing the condition in developed countries. Effective treatments exist, yet many patients misbelieve they can 'cure' hypertension and stop medication when their blood pressure falls.
A new study reveals that pharmacy disparities disproportionately impact elderly African-American patients with multiple medications for chronic diseases. Despite seeking a close relationship with pharmacists, many participants felt uncomfortable initiating discussions due to lack of knowledge or perceived busyness.
A three-year observational study at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that a combination of strategies, including reclassifying brand-name drugs and removing non-essential medications from the formulary, resulted in significant cost savings. The plan's approach preserved members' use of medications for chronic conditi...
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that metformin, a widely used diabetes medication, offers distinct advantages over nine other medications in controlling blood sugar levels, weight gain, and bad cholesterol levels. The medication was also found to be less expensive than newer options, with annual treatment costs averaging $100.
Researchers propose a 'value meal' approach to decrease medication costs while increasing benefits from expensive cancer drugs. By taking certain medications with meals or grapefruit juice, patients may use up to 80% of the prescribed dose and reduce side effects.
A Norwegian regulation requiring doctors to prescribe thiazides as first-line treatment for hypertension has led to substantial savings in drug costs. The study found that the proportion of patients prescribed thiazides increased from one in ten to one in four, and blood pressure goals were met by a slightly higher percentage.
A review of previous studies found that increased prescription drug cost sharing is associated with lower rates of drug treatment and worse patient adherence. For chronic conditions, higher cost sharing may lead to increased use of medical services.
Scientists, oncologists, and critics explore the use of ESAs, which can boost oxygen-carrying red blood cells and improve quality of life, but may be overprescribed due to cost and drug company influence. The debate highlights the need for fair and balanced review of data to ensure patients' needs are met.
Medical schools are adopting problem-based learning to improve personal drug selection. Students learn to choose medications based on efficacy, safety, cost, and convenience. This approach leads to better medicine use worldwide.
A new University of Michigan study shows that pill-splitting, slicing high-dose pills in half, can save Americans thousands of dollars on prescription drugs. Most participants said they would continue splitting pills if given a 50%-co-pay reduction, but some reported no issues with the practice.
Researchers found a new treatment combination that induced complete remission in 33% of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The therapy, using Bortezomid and Dexamethasone, showed high efficacy and tolerability, setting the stage for further clinical trials to reduce previous medication cycles.
A study conducted in Cambodia found that directly observed therapy significantly boosted immunity and reduced drug toxicities in HIV-infected children. The method, which involves trained childcare workers administering medication twice daily, is an effective and economical way to ensure adherence.
The new value-based payment scheme for NHS drugs aims to balance health benefits with industry profits. While it may increase overall spending, the system could incentivize companies to focus on cost-effective therapies.
A new study published at the American Thoracic Society Meeting found that bronchial thermoplasty improved pulmonary function, asthma control, and quality of life in severe asthma patients. After one year, 50% of patients were able to completely wean off oral corticosteroids, with significant improvements in medication use.