Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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.
A study published in the Journal of American Biomedical Science & Research found that higher doses of statins and long-acting inhalers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may not provide significant benefits for most patients, given the costs and risks involved.
A new study finds that Medicare patients with rheumatoid arthritis are seeing higher out-of-pocket spending for specialty biologic medications, despite the closure of the Part D coverage gap. The annual average cost has dropped only 21% between 2010 and 2019.
A new study by researchers from the University of Zurich and Harvard Medical School found that the high cost of cancer drugs in the US is not always justified. The study analyzed the costs of 65 cancer drugs in five countries and found no correlation between monthly treatment costs and clinical benefit.
Researchers have developed a genome-editing technique that can eliminate up to 70% of contaminating proteins in recombinant-protein drugs, making them cheaper and purer. The technology uses CRISPR-Cas mediated gene editing to reduce purification demands and improve drug quality.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation has developed a new patient-level performance indicator set to measure the effectiveness of fracture liaison services (FLS) and guide quality improvement. The set includes 11 indicators that assess various aspects of FLS, including patient outcomes and treatment recommendations.
A new study found substantial variability in Medicare coverage and out-of-pocket costs for feminizing and masculinizing hormone therapies among older transgender individuals. The proportion of Medicare plans offering unrestricted coverage ranged from 5-100%, while out-of-pocket costs varied between $180-$2,176.
A mindfulness app training program reduced physician anxiety by 57% and emotional exhaustion by 20%, suggesting its potential to treat burnout as well. The study's findings support the use of digital therapeutics like apps-based treatments for low-cost, widely disseminated interventions.
A novel oral formulation of Amphotericin B has been developed to overcome dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, drug formulation costs, and parenteral administration-associated toxicities. The lead formulation has successfully completed phase 1b human clinical trials and is set to begin phase 2 trials in vulvovaginal candidiasis
A new study from Brown University researchers reveals that Ritalin and similar medications primarily direct the brain to emphasize task benefits over costs. The study found that increased dopamine levels in the striatum region motivate individuals to focus on the positive aspects of completing difficult tasks.
Experts debate nationalizing the pharmaceutical sector to improve public health priorities, address extortionate pricing, and ensure patient access to new advanced drugs. Mariana Mazzucato and Henry Lishi Li propose a government-provided quality-assured medicine option that co-exists with private sector products.
A study found that drug prices in the US increased 159% in inflation-adjusted list prices, but only 60% in net prices, which account for manufacturer discounts. Net prices rose 3.5 times faster than general inflation.
A study by Bentley University reveals large pharmaceutical companies have higher profitability margins compared to other S&P 500 companies and technology firms. The research estimates cumulative revenues of $11.5 trillion and net income of $1.9 trillion over a 18-year period.
Researchers estimated that it costs $2.6 billion to develop and commercialize a single new drug or biologic between 2009 and 2018. The study used publicly available data on research and development expenditures for these medicines.
Over a 12-year period, list and net prices for branded US drugs increased significantly. Discounts on these medications sometimes mitigated this rise in costs.
Researchers developed a multi-organ-on-a-chip to test how new drugs affect vital organs, demonstrating its effectiveness in screening FDA-recalled drugs. The system showed that 3D organoids could demonstrate toxicity at human-relevant doses, while commonly used drugs remained viable.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases shows that treating opioid use disorder with medications within 30 days of discharge from the hospital due to injection drug use-related endocarditis improves health outcomes. Those who received medication had a reduced risk of overdose and rehospitalization within a year.
A study found that people become less confident in their choices when faced with new information related to familiar topics like finances and health, suggesting a critical gap in understanding how new information interacts with prior knowledge. This highlights the need for tailored information based on individual mental models.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that increased out-of-pocket costs for neurologic medications, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are associated with lower patient adherence. For example, a $50 increase in cost was linked to a 12% decrease in medication possession ratio for Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that Prescription Drug List (PDL) coverage for preventive asthma medications can reduce financial burden and increase medication adherence. However, barriers to PDL use include lack of awareness, exclusions, and inconsistent benefits.
A new report by West Health Institute outlines common sense approaches to reducing America's healthcare cost crisis. The report recommends empowering Medicare to directly negotiate drug prices and accelerating the adoption of value-based care.
A study of 3,537 children found that 40% go without treatment for 60% of the time, with lower socio-economic families more likely to drop off medication. The research suggests that consistent treatment is crucial for managing ADHD, a chronic condition affecting around 1 in 20 Australian children.
A new online tool, Lock to Live, has been developed to help suicidal adults make decisions about reducing access to firearms and other potential suicide methods. The self-administered web resource was tested in a pilot trial with promising results, including high interest and acceptance among participants.
A new Dartmouth study found that pharmaceutical companies' promotional access to US primary care practices is substantial, especially in smaller practices and those without academic affiliation. The researchers also discovered a pattern of higher promotional activity in the Southern region of the country.
The cost of MS drugs increased from $453 million to $1.32 billion between 2011 and 2017, driven by prescription costs that doubled during this period.
Research from University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown suggests drug-associated mortality is double the initially reported number. Drug use decreased life expectancy after age 15 by 1.4 years for men and 0.7 years for women, with West Virginia and other states experiencing high rates.
Experts argue against switching from Truvada to Tenofovir Alafenamide for PrEP, citing limited data on the newer drug's effectiveness in diverse populations. The current medication, Truvada, has been shown to be safe and effective with ample evidence of its safety and effectiveness.
A clinical trial is testing an experimental stem cell treatment against the best available biologic therapies for severe forms of relapsing multiple sclerosis. The trial aims to determine whether autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an effective and durable treatment option for people with severe relapsing MS w...
A new study found that VA patients are less likely to skip medications and more likely to afford them compared to non-VA patients. The VA's pharmacy benefit model could be a key to making prescription drugs universally affordable.
A new analysis by the West Health Policy Center finds that extending Medicare Part D rebates to beneficiaries could result in $29 billion in savings over 7 years. This would be achieved through rebate dollars being used to lower beneficiaries' cost-sharing at pharmacy counters, rather than reducing manufacturers' liability.
Researchers found that beta-blockers increase the risk of hospitalizations for heart failure among patients with 'stiff heart' heart failure, characterized by a normal squeeze but impaired relaxation of the heart muscle. Beta-blocker use was associated with a 74% higher risk of hospitalizations in this patient population.
A study found that MS drug prices are increasing due to profit-driven business models, with executives citing the US market as a key factor. The researchers noted that prices in the US continue to rise despite decreased production costs.
A new study found that nearly 2 million people in the US skip medications due to cost concerns, with those under 65 and from low-income families being most affected. The study highlights the need for lower-cost generic drugs and advocating for changes in national healthcare policy to address this issue.
The American College of Physicians recommends improving transparency, lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients, and enhancing access to affordable medications. The policies aim to stem the escalating costs of prescription drugs by increasing oversight and regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers and public health plans.
New research finds that brand-name drug discount cards lead to higher health care spending in Canada, with private insurer costs increasing by 46 per cent. However, for some patients, using a discount card can result in increased out-of-pocket costs, potentially up to $10 more.
Research found brand pharmaceutical company discount cards for brand-name drugs increased private insurer costs by 46%. The study analyzed data from 2.8 million prescriptions, showing that patients using these cards often paid more due to higher insurance premiums.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that brand-name drug discount cards lead to higher health care spending in Canada, increasing private insurer costs by 46% and public insurer costs by 1.3%. Despite offering some savings, these cards financially disadvantage patients who fill prescriptions with them.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued policy recommendations aimed at mitigating the rising costs of prescription drugs, including increasing transparency and lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients. The recommendations also focus on improving access to affordable medications and addressing issues in public health plans.
Annual spending on biologics in US public programs nearly doubled from 2012 to 2016 due to rising drug prices. Post-market price changes accounted for 56% of the five-year spending increase, with unit price hikes alone responsible for $1.7 billion of the growth.
A study suggests that extending lifelong Medicare coverage of transplant medications would reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life for kidney transplant recipients. This policy change could benefit patients who are currently left without coverage after 36 months.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center identified specific virus characteristics that can help predict the efficacy of HIV-1 treatments using antibody-based treatments. These findings will enable physicians to make better-informed decisions on treatment plans for patients with HIV-1, ultimately treating the virus to slow it down earlier.
Research from the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic reveals biosimilar drugs can lower costs for patients, but their use is still hindered by regulatory barriers. The study found that while physicians are willing to prescribe biosimilars, cost savings are minimal, and market share remains limited.
Researchers found that switching to dry powder inhalers from metered-dose inhalers could reduce carbon emissions by 58 tonnes annually, while also cutting drug costs. This switch could save the equivalent of 150-400kg of CO2 annually per individual.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that one in eight pharmacies in the US closed between 2009 and 2015. Independent pharmacies in urban areas are disproportionately affected, with nearly half closing due to lack of access to preferred pharmacy networks and 340B contracts.
A new smartphone app reminder significantly increased medication adherence among heart patients, with 65% correctly taking their pills at 90 days compared to 21% in the control group. The study's results suggest that mobile health technology can be a cost-effective strategy to improve adherence and reduce poor outcomes.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that US residents requesting online abortion medications cited difficulty accessing clinical care and personal preferences as reasons for their requests. The demand was highest in states with restrictive abortion policies, with Mississippi leading the way.
A new study of over 10,000 Canadian households reveals a strong correlation between food insecurity and nonadherence to prescription drugs. Food insecure households are more likely to experience cost-related nonadherence, which can exacerbate health issues associated with food insecurity.
US overdose deaths attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl have surged, with purchases often made on the darknet. Fentanyl prices plummeted by 50% between 2014 and 2016, making it nearly twice as deadly as heroin.
The study found that clawbacks occur frequently in the market for topical prescription drugs, resulting in significant financial losses for patients. Insurers pay less than the patient's copayment, leading to overpayments of up to $1000 per year.
The Pharmacist-Led Chronic Care Management Services model has been shown to improve patient outcomes and streamline medication regimens. By integrating pharmacists into the healthcare team, patients receive comprehensive medication management and lifestyle education.
A new study found that distributing essential medicines at no charge resulted in a 44% increase in adherence to medications. The study also discovered improvements in systolic blood pressure and the likelihood of participants meeting their financial needs.
A study found that nearly a third of patients with severe asthma are taking harmful doses of oral steroids. Improving adherence to inhaled therapies and inhaler technique can help avoid this. However, only half of eligible patients receive biologic asthma drugs, which could reduce exposure to harmful oral steroids.
A doctor, who is also the father of a child with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), offers a personal perspective on the benefits of the new treatment nusinersen. The medication has shown significant improvement in his son's condition, allowing him to regain motor skills and autonomy.
A panel of experts based on rigorous systematic reviews found little to no health benefits for reducing red or processed meat consumption. Most adults can continue their current levels of red and processed meat intake without negative health effects.