Articles tagged with Drug Costs
A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that pharmacist care can significantly improve medication adherence among heart-failure patients. By providing customized educational materials and regular reminders, pharmacists can help patients take their medications consistently, leading to lower health-care costs and...
Researchers from Duke University found that generic biologics are unlikely to be significantly cheaper than brand-name versions due to higher manufacturing and marketing costs. The unique characteristics of biologics make them harder to replicate, resulting in lower price competition.
The cost of treating arthritis in the US has more than doubled between 1998 and 2003 due to the increasing number of people with the disease and inflation-adjusted prescription costs. Total medical care expenditures for arthritis patients increased by $88 billion annually, with estimated incremental costs reaching $81 billion.
A new asthma inhaler propellant is safe and effective, but its higher cost will significantly impact consumers and healthcare systems. The switch from chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) to hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant may lead to increased costs for patients with prescription benefit plans, as well as co-pays.
Research in Malaysia found that essential drugs are priced beyond reach of poorer members, with costs up to 16 times higher than international reference prices. The lack of affordability affects the poor and the availability of medicines is also poor, with only 25% available through public sector.
A cross-sectional study of 460 Pakistani patients found that 77% were adherent to their medications, with social and family structures playing a key role in high adherence rates. Younger age, poor awareness, and symptomatic treatment negatively affected adherence, whereas mono-therapy and psychosocial factors showed no association.
A recent study published in JAMA found that heart attack patients with financial barriers experience poorer recovery and quality of life. Patients who avoided healthcare services or medication due to cost were more likely to have increased rates of rehospitalization and lower quality-of-life scores.
A recent study found that financial constraints hinder heart attack patients from seeking healthcare services or taking vital medications, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Patients with unaffordable medications had a 50% higher chance of being re-hospitalized for cardiac conditions.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment for malaria, which showed that longer-acting drugs can prevent patients from getting sick again within six weeks. The study found that combining two drugs increased the effectiveness of treatment and reduced the risk of relapse.
A new study published in Clinical Therapeutics suggests that private health plans increasingly rely on escalating copayments to manage drug costs, making treatment more expensive for patients. This can affect adherence to treatment, particularly for psychiatric disorders.
A dataset of all published Indian patent applications and patents has been created, providing a searchable platform for stakeholders. The database aims to ensure that patent applications are thoroughly scrutinized, protecting the interests of patients in developing countries while preserving incentives for pharmaceutical R&D.
Recent IOM recommendations lack evidence to support claims of a drug safety crisis. A new editorial questions the science behind these reforms, citing a study on the benefits of reduced approval times over safety concerns.
The exclusivity of clinical trial data could jeopardize efforts to create generic versions of life-saving medicines, harming public health. Karin Timmermans warns that data exclusivity can delay generic competition and drive up prices.
A collaboration of international calculation grids analyzed nearly 80,000 potential malaria medicines per hour over 10 weeks, significantly speeding up the selection process. This approach also has implications for treating other tropical diseases and can substantially reduce the cost of developing new medicines.
The Pediatric Exclusivity Program has generated over 300 pediatric studies and labeling changes for more than 115 products. The program's economic return is highly variable among products, with blockbuster medications producing substantial profits while others yield modest returns.
Researchers developed a Bayesian network model to forecast the success of new drugs, reducing mean capitalized expenditures by an average of $283 million per successful new drug. More data sharing by the pharmaceutical industry could improve forecasting accuracy and benefit patients by eliminating unsafe investigational new drugs.
A team of University of Michigan and Harvard researchers suggests abandoning the one-size-fits-all approach to health insurance by tailoring plans to individuals' specific medical needs. This value-based insurance design (VBID) approach aims to encourage patients to use evidence-based treatments, reducing healthcare costs in the long run.
A study found that switching patients to more affordable cholesterol and blood pressure medications saved the UK's National Health Service £26,000 annually. The switch was made without adverse events and was successful for the majority of patients.
A new software program is being developed to help patients with multiple prescriptions by creating a calendar-like printout every time a prescription is filled. The goal is to reduce confusion about which pill is which and when to take medication, ultimately leading to improved patient safety and compliance.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that combining a long-acting bronchodilator with an inhaled corticosteroid reduced exacerbations by 35% in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The treatment was well-tolerated, but raised concerns about potential sys...
A new study from Michigan Medicine finds significant variation in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan costs across states, even with lowest-cost plans. Seniors may face costs differing by thousands of dollars for the same medications, and within a state, the difference can be $10,000 or more.
Rotating treatment through different types of medications can help avoid worsening symptoms in patients with restless leg syndrome, say experts. The team recommends switching treatments when symptoms appear or before augmentation occurs.
A CCFA survey reveals that 65% of ulcerative colitis patients are less than fully compliant with first-line therapies, resulting in a significant impact on their quality of life. The most common reasons for non-compliance were dosing frequency, number of pills, and medication inconvenience.
Millions of Americans have visual impairment, blindness, or eye diseases such as AMD, cataracts, and glaucoma. The estimated annual financial burden is $35.4 billion, with direct medical costs totaling $16.2 billion.
A new study has identified dihydrocodeine as an equally effective alternative to expensive methadone treatment for heroin addiction. The prescription painkiller is cheaper, safer and less toxic, with estimated annual costs of £713 compared to £1,500 for methadone.
A study found that schizophrenia patients respond equally well to older psychiatric drugs as newer, costlier alternatives. The NHS-funded trial revealed little benefit from switching to second-generation anti-psychotics despite their higher market share.
A new study suggests that older antipsychotic medication perphenazine is less expensive and equally effective as newer medications for treating schizophrenia. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found that total monthly health costs were up to 30% lower for patients taking perphenazine compared to those taking secon...
A study reveals that younger stroke survivors (under 65) struggle with accessing physicians and affording medications due to lack of health insurance. These individuals are at higher risk for recurrence and increased long-term healthcare utilization.
A pharmacy care program for elderly patients increases medication adherence, resulting in improved health outcomes. The study found that the program was associated with significant improvements in systolic blood pressure and sustained medication adherence.
A new UCLA study found that physicians rarely discuss medication costs with patients, which can lead to non-adherence and increased out-of-pocket expenses. The study, published in The American Journal of Managed Care, suggests that higher-income patients are more likely to initiate discussions about costs.
Recent research published in the Lancet has shown that nursing home patients with severe Alzheimer's disease experienced significantly improved cognitive function when treated with donepezil. Additionally, data suggests that these drugs are effective in patients with milder forms of Alzheimer's disease, sparking hope for a potential re...
Two studies at ACG suggest that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who take medications as directed incur lower medical costs compared to non-compliant patients. Compliance rates were poor overall, but improved with age and education, with the elderly and younger patients scoring poorly.
The UK government needs to show vocal support for NICE to ensure equity in the country's health system. NICE's guidance on restricting Alzheimer's disease drug use is necessary due to limited funds in the tax-funded health system.
A recent Mount Sinai School of Medicine study suggests that physicians are crucial in helping low-income and uninsured seniors save money on prescription drugs. By prescribing generic versions of cardiovascular medications, doctors can significantly reduce medication costs for patients and Medicare beneficiaries.
A study found that second-generation antipsychotic medications do not offer significant benefits compared to older first-generation antipsychotic drugs for patients with schizophrenia. The findings contradict the widely held perception that second-generation agents are safer and more effective.
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience increased healthcare costs in the two years before and after diagnosis compared to those without ADHD. White children have higher expenses than other ethnicities, reflecting a possible cultural factor in treatment acceptance.
Researchers analyzed nine trials involving 693 patients and found that treatment with calcium-channel blockers or alpha blockers increased the chances of passing urinary stones by 65%, making these medications an effective alternative to surgery.
Researchers will analyze FDA database of electrocardiograms to identify early predictors of cardiac risk and develop new biomarkers for drug toxicity. The goal is to improve the safety of new drugs while reducing development costs.
A study found that physicians prescribed new medications without adequately explaining key information, including side effects and dosing instructions. Patients who receive complete instructions are more likely to adhere to treatment plans.
The survey reveals that caregivers experience devastating consequences, including relapse, hospitalization, and financial strain. Caregivers also emphasize the importance of effective medication and long-term care to maintain their loved ones' overall well-being.
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund finds that nearly nine of 10 individuals who seek individual market health insurance are unable to secure coverage due to unaffordability or pre-existing conditions. Those with high-deductible plans face significant cost burdens, including higher out-of-pocket expenses and increased medical debt.
A study published in Circulation found that the financial burden on women with chest pain and blocked coronary arteries can total more than $1 million during their lifetime. Women with nonobstructive coronary artery disease also face significant costs, including higher drug expenses.
According to a study published in Circulation, treating chest pain associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) could cost a woman more than $1 million during her lifetime. Women with nonobstructive CAD experienced higher healthcare costs due to ongoing angina symptoms.
A new study predicts that the US will spend $2.2 trillion on stroke care over the next 45 years unless preventive measures are taken. The highest costs will be for African American and Latino patients, who suffer strokes at younger ages and receive poorer-quality care.
Researchers say international patent laws and US-negotiated trade agreements are impeding access to life-saving HIV medicines, particularly in resource-poor settings. The current intellectual property law allows pharmaceutical companies to monopolize markets, making treatments unaffordable for many.
J-P Garnier, GSK CEO, emphasizes the company's commitment to providing affordable HIV drugs and vaccines for diseases affecting the developing world. He highlights GSK's efforts to introduce modern HIV drugs at lower prices and protect innovation through patents.
A new study finds that tamoxifen has little impact on mortality rates for most high-risk women, with life expectancy improving only at higher breast cancer risks. The high cost of tamoxifen further reduces its utility as a cancer prevention drug in the US.
Majority of healthcare opinion leaders support the Medicare Part D program, but favor changes to reduce complexity and improve coverage for vulnerable populations. Opinion leaders recommend policy changes such as filling the donut hole and eliminating the asset test to benefit low-income beneficiaries.
A comprehensive training plan is needed to deliver HIV medicines to patients in poor countries. The authors suggest research is required to define the best approach, including the implementation of such programs.
A randomized controlled trial found CBT to significantly improve total wake time, sleep efficiency, and slow-wave sleep compared to zopiclone. CBT-based interventions are not widely available in clinical practice, but future research should focus on implementing low-threshold treatment options.
Regier and colleagues found that patient self-management is a cost-effective strategy for patients receiving long-term oral anticoagulation. The study suggests this approach can provide similar health benefits without the added costs of physician management over a 5-year period.
A study found that nearly one in seven patients who received a drug-eluting stent stopped taking their antiplatelet medication within the first 30 days, leading to a higher risk of death and hospitalization. The study highlights the importance of continued medication after stent placement for optimal outcomes.
A new study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that the first osteoporosis medication, teriparatide, is not cost-effective compared to alendronate. The researchers suggest that teriparatide should be given only to high-risk patients who don't tolerate standard treatments.
Pharmacists are increasingly involved in collaborative care for hospitalized patients, improving medication safety and patient understanding. This expansion of their role has led to better outcomes and job satisfaction for pharmacists, as they work closely with patients, physicians, and nurses to optimize treatment.
A new Medicare plan will create a significant gap in coverage for seriously ill patients, leaving them to pay out of pocket for expensive medications. This can lead to reduced treatment options and economic implications for healthcare providers.
A national study found that 85% of prescriptions for commonly prescribed drugs were for FDA-approved indications or off-label uses with strong scientific support. However, 21% of prescriptions lacked evidence to support their use.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute determined the x-ray structure of EmrD, a multidrug transporter protein in E. coli, which could help understand its mechanism and develop new drugs. The study revealed an internal cavity composed primarily of hydrophobic residues that contribute to drug specificity.
A national study reveals that nearly 60% of older diabetics are not taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs, despite clear signs of problems. The study's findings highlight the need for improved awareness and incentives to encourage responsible prescribing and increased use of these life-saving medications.
Patients taking newer thiazolidinedione (TZD) medications had lower hospitalization rates and reduced healthcare costs compared to those on older metformin or sulfonylurea. The study found that TZDs resulted in an average annual savings of $920-$1,760.
A University of Chicago study found that daily doses of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride were as effective as montelukast sodium in relieving hay fever symptoms without additional side effects. Pseudoephedrine was slightly more effective in reducing congestion and had a lower risk of sleep problems compared to montelukast.