Articles tagged with Drug Costs
A study by Cleveland Clinic found that combining a weight management program with FDA-approved anti-obesity medications leads to significant weight loss among adults with obesity. The research showed that participants who had access to the medications averaged -7.7% weight loss at 12 months, compared to -4.2% in those without medication.
Primary care physicians provide the largest share of vaccinations and clinical visits for COVID-19 testing, showcasing their crucial role in immunization programs. Researchers highlight the importance of integrating social care practices into healthcare delivery to address patients' economic and social needs.
A study in Beijing, China from 2016-2018 found a significant decrease in the quantity of diabetes medications used, with an 18.39% reduction in estimated annual medication costs. The decrease is attributed to rational use of medications and reduced usage of insulin.
The FDA's approval of aducanumab for Alzheimer's disease treatment has sparked ethical issues, with billions of dollars in Medicare resources at risk. Physicians face difficult choices between facilitating unjust access to the drug or denying it to desperate patients and families.
Recent studies from the University of Minnesota Medical School have found that dramatic drug price increases lead to higher outpatient costs and decreased patient access to appropriate treatment. The studies recommend transparency laws and separate review thresholds for off-patent drugs to address extreme pricing.
The national tender system in Norway has significantly reduced the cost of biologic and targeted drugs for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Over a 10-year period, the average annual costs were lowered by approximately 50%, with current users experiencing a 50% reduction and new patients seeing a 75% decrease.
A study found that drug rebates are associated with increased out-of-pocket costs for patients, particularly those without insurance. On average, patients with commercial insurance paid $6 more, Medicare patients $13, and the uninsured $39 due to rebates.
A recent University of Huddersfield study has found a sharp increase in antidepressant prescriptions and costs in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of prescriptions grew by four million items, costing NHS England an additional £139 million.
A majority of Americans, including Democrats and Republicans, favor empowering the federal government to negotiate lower prescription drug prices under Medicare. The survey found that only a minority believe this would harm innovation or competition from the pharmaceutical industry, with 39% of Republicans among them.
A digital tool developed by UK University of Bath predicts protein stability with speed and accuracy, cutting down on time and cost of drug development. The tool, called Quantitative Understanding of Bio-molecular Edge-Shift (QUBES), uses fluorescence and mathematical algorithms to analyze protein structure and predict stability.
A new study suggests that exempting asthma medications from the deductible in high-deductible health plans may reduce medication use and exacerbations in children, but not adults. The research found small decreases in annual fills for some controller medications among children switching to HDHPs.
A two-year study found that providing patients with free access to essential medicines increases adherence by 35% and reduces total health spending by an average of over $1,000 per patient per year. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, tested the effects of free medication on a selected set of medications.
A global study found that nearly half a billion people with diabetes are not receiving comprehensive care, which can reduce health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and nerve damage. The study highlights major gaps in specific care, including low cholesterol-lowering medication use.
A new analysis by the West Health Policy Center estimates that the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) could result in hundreds of billions of dollars in lower commercial health insurance costs by 2030, primarily due to a $195 billion reduction in employer costs and $98 billion in savings for workers.
A new study from the University of Southern California finds that a Medicaid-Medicare partnership could save $1 to $1.1 billion over 25 years while treating hepatitis C cases. The model suggests that joint coverage of treatment would improve patient outcomes and reduce future healthcare costs.
A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that potentially inappropriate prescribing is associated with functional decline, falls and hospital admissions. Decision support tools can help reduce medication-related harm, but comprehensive assessment of medication use during care transitions is crucial.
A new study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that a combined drug treatment for missed miscarriage is more effective and cheaper than current standard medication. The treatment, combining mifepristone and misoprostol, was on average £182 cheaper per successfully managed miscarriage.
A recent study found that combining two medications can double the effectiveness of gout treatment. Researchers at Michigan Medicine discovered that adding immunomodulation drug mycophenolate mofetil to Pegloticase infusions significantly increased the success rate, reducing urate levels below the therapeutic target in 86% of patients.
A new survey found that one in six US adults (16%) are staying in jobs they might otherwise leave out of fear of losing their employer-sponsored health insurance. Black workers are 50% more likely to stay in an unwanted job than their White and Hispanic counterparts.
A new study by Dr. Benjamin Rome and colleagues found that over half of patients experience increases in out-of-pocket costs when drug prices increase, with some patients facing 15% hikes. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed 79 brand-name drugs and found average out-of-pocket costs rose 3.5% from 2015 to 2017.
The American Thoracic Society has published a new clinical practice guideline on community-acquired pneumonia, addressing the use of nucleic acid-based testing for non-influenza viral pathogens. The guidelines recommend testing only for patients with severe CAP or immunocompromised patients.
A study published in Chinese Medical Journal found that generic antihypertensive drugs are as effective as brand-name counterparts in controlling blood pressure over the long term. The results suggest significant cost savings for patients, with treatment using generic drugs being only half as expensive as brand-name treatments.
New research reveals that deworming expectant mothers significantly reduces infant mortality and low birth weight, with a 14% decrease in neonatal mortality risk. In countries with lower transmission rates, deworming treatment decreases the odds of low birthweight by 11%.
Researchers found that common over-the-counter antibiotic treatments can slow healing and prevent regeneration of hair follicles after wounding. The study suggests that normal levels of bacteria actually improve healing, challenging the long-held theory that antibiotics promote healthy skin regeneration.
Nearly 20% of Americans, or over 46 million adults, say they did not seek treatment for a health problem in the last year due to cost. Americans are struggling to afford healthcare, with nearly 30% finding paying for general healthcare a significant financial burden behind housing and taxes.
A study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed tens of millions of pharmacy transactions to understand the use of vouchers and coupons. The researchers found that these offsets are concentrated among a small number of drugs, covering about half of their costs, with manufacturer-provided offsets fully covering pat...
Researchers developed a system using wireless sensing and artificial intelligence to detect medication errors. The system tracks patients' movements and alerts healthcare providers when necessary, potentially reducing hospital visits.
Mobile stroke units are ambulances with specialized staff and equipment to provide rapid stroke treatment on the way to the hospital. They administer medications to restore blood flow, control bleeding or lower high blood pressure before reaching the emergency department.
A new study published in Neurology found that Medicare payments for neurology medications increased by 50% over five years, despite a 8% rise in claims. The majority of the increase was due to rising costs for neuroimmunology drugs, primarily used for multiple sclerosis.
A new analysis by Carnegie Mellon University professor Jonathan Caulkins explores the effects of reduced production costs on cannabis and opioid use. Sharp declines in prices may alter consumption patterns and lead to changes in drug markets, including reduced violence and disruption of criminal organizations.
A partnership between Clemson University and Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation has led to the development of a flexible, open-source benchtop robot that can fill, cap, and seal sterile syringes, increasing productivity and quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This innovation aims to address drug shortages, which have sign...
A new study finds that the high cost of antiparasitic drugs used to treat hookworm and other soil-transmitted parasites is driving up patient costs and decreasing the quality of care. In rural areas, these diseases are more prevalent, and patients often receive inadequate treatment.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Medicare Part D program lost $1.7 billion due to requests for brand name over generic prescription drugs in 2017. Opting for generic drugs could save hundreds of millions annually.
A new study by University of Michigan and Boston University researchers found that only 21% of dollars spent on 15 top-selling partial orphan drugs went to treating rare diseases, while 70% went to common diseases. This raises questions about whether the benefits of orphan drug status are always warranted for these drugs.
A study by the University of Zurich found that 63% of drugs with rebates granted in Switzerland have low clinical benefits, while 49% have no significant benefit. The research highlights the need for transparent cooperation between European countries to improve drug pricing and patient access.
A recent qualitative study examines how people respond to financial and health uncertainties, revealing significant adverse consequences on physical and mental health. Participants reported sacrificing essential needs to afford medication, demonstrating the profound impact of uncertainty on well-being.
Despite a 2015 initiative to improve access, Mexico's poorest residents often go without painkillers, while pharmacies in poorer areas are less likely to carry them due to cost. The study also found that opioids may be diverted to the US, exacerbating its opioid epidemic.
A University of Arizona Health Sciences study estimates the total lifetime costs of valley fever for 10,359 patients in 2019 to be $736 million. The disease, caused by Coccidioides fungi, has increased prevalence and currently lacks a preventative vaccine or therapy.
Researchers developed a new manufacturing platform using freeze-dried components that can quickly make vaccines on demand. The platform eliminates the need for complex supply chains and refrigeration, making it ideal for low-resource settings. This innovation has the potential to expand access to life-saving medications.
A recent RAND Corporation report reveals that US prescription drug prices are substantially higher than those in other developed countries, with brand-name drugs costing an average of 3.44 times more. In contrast, unbranded generic drugs account for 84% of US spending but have prices slightly lower than most global peers.
A new survey from West Health and Gallup finds Americans skeptical that healthcare costs will fall, with only 8% thinking they're headed in the right direction. The top issues Americans want the government to focus on are lowering insurance premiums and cutting drug prices.
Pharmacists helped identify and solve drug-related problems, improving measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study found pharmacist-led medication therapy management services reduced medication costs for patients.
The Endocrine Society recommends government negotiation, greater transparency, and policy changes to reduce insulin costs. These policies aim to increase access to affordable insulin, particularly for low-income individuals and Medicare beneficiaries.
Research by international experts recommends decriminalizing all illicit drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin, as a matter of urgency. The 'war on drugs' disproportionately targets Black communities, damaging communities and violating human rights.
A new study from the University of East Anglia estimates that breast cancer chemotherapy in the UK results in over £248 million in annual costs. These costs include lost productivity and personal expenses such as wigs and medication. Better targeting of treatment could help reduce these unnecessary costs.
A study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that people who move due to unaffordable housing are at increased risk of failing to receive necessary medical care, leading to long-term health problems. The research highlights the need for preventive action to mitigate the adverse effects of cost-related moves on healthcare access.
A new study found that neurology patients with high-deductible health plans are more likely to have high out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic tests and office visits. Out-of-pocket costs for tests increased by up to 190% over a 15-year period, affecting the ability of patients to receive necessary care.
A study published in Nursing Outlook found that nurse practitioners significantly reduced costs and improved patient safety in six long-term care facilities in Quebec, with cost savings ranging from $1.9 to $3.2 million. The introduction of nurse practitioners also led to a reduction in nursing administration time for medications.
A UCI and UCSD study found that patients using automated kiosks in their workplaces had better prescription pickup rates without sacrificing pharmacist instruction. The kiosk saved the pharmacy $12,000 annually by increasing patient adherence to prescribed medications.
A recent study by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) reveals that most mail-order prescriptions are shipped outside the recommended temperature range for extended periods during both winter and summer months. This can lead to medication effectiveness being compromised, posing a risk to patient safety.
A new study finds that Medicare beneficiaries are skipping medications due to high costs, leading to premature deaths and worsening health conditions. The study estimates 112,000 premature deaths annually if current pricing trends continue, but predicts 94,000 fewer deaths with direct negotiation of drug prices.
A Portland State University study found that pharmacy dropboxes increase customer awareness of proper drug disposal and reduce improper disposal methods. The study suggests that legislation mandating dropboxes at pharmacies and industry funding for disposal are crucial to addressing this issue.
The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in treating atrial fibrillation has led to a substantial reduction in stroke cases, resulting in cost savings for the NHS. Analysis shows that prescribing DOACs increased by £733m from 2011 to 2017, but reduced stroke cases by 11%.
A new study from University at Buffalo found that over 34% of older adults in the US are prescribed potentially inappropriate medications, leading to twice as many prescriptions and nearly twice as likely hospitalizations. These medications also cost patients an additional $458 per year.
A minimum unit price for alcohol policy significantly decreases deaths and hospitalizations related to alcohol use, according to a new report. By setting a floor price for alcohol sales, such policies help prevent the sale of cheap drinks with high alcohol content.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that several widely available interventions are associated with reduced medical costs and a lower likelihood of emergency room visits or hospitalizations for children with asthma. The interventions include asthma self-management education, flu vaccine, spacer use, and nebulizer use.
University of Delaware researchers develop tiny cargo-carrying systems that can selectively bind to degrading collagen, providing site-specific medicine delivery over longer periods. These nanoparticle carriers have the potential to improve treatment for diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new poll shows that over half of older adults take two or more non-prescription drugs or supplements, and two in ten take five or more prescription medications. Many are unaware of the importance of comprehensive medication reviews, which can identify potential interactions and help save money. The poll suggests opportunities for pro...
A new study found that orphan drug costs for children with rare diseases have increased by 65% over five years, with families facing significantly higher out-of-pocket expenses. The top three drugs driving the increase are used to boost height in children with growth hormone deficiency and are prescribed off-label for other conditions.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that lung transplant patients who receive antifungal preventive medications have a significantly lower risk of death within the first year posttransplant. The study analyzed data from 667 patients and found that mortality risk was about twice as high in those not receiving treatment.