Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
A randomized, double-blind trial found that turmeric supplements were more effective in reducing knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis compared to a placebo. The study also showed no adverse events and reduced medication usage, but highlighted the need for larger, longer-term trials.
A new study warns that an impending trade deal between the US and UK could lead to significant increases in NHS drug spending, with estimated costs rising from £1.39 billion to £6.42 billion for 50 brand-name prescription drugs.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that switching from brand-name to generic cholesterol medications between 2014 and 2018 saved Medicare billions of dollars. The total costs on these drugs went down despite an increase in prescriptions for LDL-lowering drugs, with the number of generic prescriptions rising by 35%.
A recent study by the Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences found that one quarter of prescription drugs in Canada were reported in shortage during a study period. The average length of a shortage was five months, with markets with single generic manufacturers being the most vulnerable to shortage.
A large Australian-Dutch trial confirmed low-dose colchicine significantly reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in patients with chronic coronary disease. Colchicine was safe and well-tolerated over the long-term, making it a potential cornerstone treatment alongside aspirin and statins.
A University of Cincinnati-led study suggests that a specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be beneficial in treating childhood anxiety disorders. The treatment showed promise in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder.
A new study found that short-term use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication can effectively prevent HIV transmission in men who have sex with men. During a vacation, 94% of participants had blood concentrations protective against HIV, while no transmissions occurred during the trip itself.
A study published in Health Affairs found that one in four US younger women reported cost-related nonadherence to prescription medicines compared to one in seven younger men. The largest disparities were observed among US women versus men in other high-income countries, with significant health implications.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that stepping down asthma medication doses did not increase exacerbations and can significantly reduce costs. The research suggests that clinicians may be prescribing higher levels of treatment than is clinically indicated, highlighting the potential for cost savings.
Inaccurate antibiotic allergy records contribute to resistance, increased healthcare costs, and patient safety issues. The study suggests improving registration accuracy through training modules, guidelines, and better communication.
A UK study found that nurses who follow revamped guidelines make nearly two and half times fewer mistakes when administering intravenous medicines. The modified instructions present the same information in a user-friendly way, leading to faster injection procedures and increased nurse confidence.
Public research units and pharmaceutical firms have varying efficiencies in basic research development. Public labs are more cost-effective when complementary applied research improves the quality of drugs. The price of new drugs is lowest when basic research takes place in public labs.
Researchers found that having more information about existing drugs delays new drug approvals for the same conditions. Innovative drugs took an average of 20 months to win approval when there was less information available.
A recent study estimates that over 237 million medication errors occur annually in England, resulting in significant financial and human costs. The majority of these errors are minor, but some can have serious consequences, such as hospital admissions and deaths.
A large study in northern Italy found that even frail elderly people (65 and older) who take blood pressure medication as prescribed live longer. The healthiest older people experienced the biggest survival boost, with benefits greatest for those taking more than 75% of their prescribed doses.
A new study by Bocconi University researchers finds that the majority of phase III trial results are not significantly above threshold, contrary to previous findings. The researchers suggest that transparency and registration processes are key factors in maintaining trial integrity.
A study by University of South Australia researcher Dr Emily Reeve found that one in six medications prescribed to older people cause more harm than good. The research aims to address the issue of polypharmacy, which is on the rise globally and has serious health consequences.
A study found a dramatic surge in hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost half a million excess fills compared to 2019. The surge occurred after March 15 and was likely due to off-label prescribing for COVID-19, raising concerns about safety and efficacy.
A study found that no-deductible preventive drugs reduced out-of-pocket costs by $612 per year, leading to a significant increase in medication use among low-income diabetes patients. The results showed that lower-income patients benefited the most from these policies.
Randomized controlled trials and epidemiological compartmental models can be used to evaluate the impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions on disease transmission. By harnessing these methods, policymakers and scientists can reduce the human health, societal, and economic costs of a pandemic.