Children with mild asthma can use inhalers as needed
Children with mild asthma can effectively manage their condition by using inhalers when symptoms occur, reducing steroid medication use by almost 75%.
Drug Costs
Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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Brain researchers invent an affordable smartphone measurement for testing of medications
Researchers have invented an affordable solution to measure tremor in mice using a smartphone, potentially leading to new treatments. The method uses a cage with rubber bands and a mounted smartphone to detect vibrations, producing comparable results to expensive equipment.
Most independent charity drug assistance programs exclude the uninsured
Independent charity prescription drug assistance programs in the US primarily cover insured patients, leaving out those without health insurance. These programs tend to favor higher-priced brand-name drugs over generics.
Cost, potential environmental effects of unused pharmaceuticals in cataract surgery
Researchers investigated the financial and environmental impact of unused pharmaceuticals in cataract surgery, revealing substantial economic and ecological consequences. The study's findings emphasize the importance of implementing effective waste management practices to minimize these effects.
Brand-brand competition is unlikely to reduce list prices of medicines
A systematic review found no evidence that brand-brand competition lowers existing brand-name drug prices in the US market. However, some studies suggest that such competition may help set new drug prices, but only for safer or more effective drugs with greater marketing.
Rejected and unfilled prescriptions for new, more expensive cholesterol drugs tied to higher heart, stroke risk
Researchers found that high-risk patients who have prescriptions for PCSK9 inhibitors rejected by insurance or not filled by patients are more likely to experience cardiovascular events. The study also identified disparities in prescription rejection rates among different demographics, including women and minorities.
Critical heart drug too pricey for some Medicare patients
A study found that the effective drug Entresto may be unaffordable for senior citizens due to high insurance copayments. The therapy, a combination of sacubitril/valsartan, costs over $5,000 and can result in annual copayments exceeding $1,600.
Some pharmacists missing mark on therapeutic guidelines: QUT study
A QUT study found that only 57.6% of pharmacies in Brisbane followed dispensing behavior compliant with therapeutic guidelines, while 31.3% oversold or over-treated medication. The study highlights the need for better guidance and training for pharmacists to ensure effective treatment outcomes.
Symptom-triggered medication for neonatal opioid withdrawal yields shorter hospital stays
A study at Boston Medical Center found that symptom-triggered medication dosing for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome reduces hospital stay length and unnecessary medication exposure. Infants treated with this approach had a median stay of 10.5 days, compared to 17 days for fixed-schedule treatment.
BU researchers: Allowing the sale of buprenorphine without a prescription could save lives
Boston University researchers suggest making buprenorphine available behind the counter with age and quantity limitations to increase access for treating opioid use disorder. This could lead to reduced health costs, lower drug-related crime, and more lives saved.
Yearlong birth control supply would cut unintended pregnancies, costs
Researchers found that providing a year's supply of birth control pills upfront can reduce unintended pregnancies and lower healthcare costs. The study estimates that this policy change would prevent 583 unintended pregnancies and save the VA approximately $2 million annually.
PBS restrictions result in outdated and unsafe care
A University of Queensland researcher calls for the PBS to update its restrictions on anti-epileptic drugs to ensure safe and up-to-date clinical practice. The current system fosters outdated prescribing practice and suboptimal care.
Study shows some generics can cost Medicare recipients more than brand-name drugs
Researchers found that Medicare beneficiaries with high annual drug spending may pay more out-of-pocket for generics than brands if they use expensive specialty drugs. The study's lead author argues that policy changes are needed to address the issue and ensure generic drug users aren't overpaying.
Reforming pharmacy benefit manager practices may lead to drug cost savings
Researchers found that Ohio Medicaid's switch to managed care saved $145 million annually due to lower prescription claims prices. The study highlights the need for policy changes to address opaque pricing practices and anti-competitive tactics used by pharmacy benefit managers.
Study finds similar cardiovascular outcomes for generic, brand-name drugs for hypothyroidism
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that generic and brand-name levothyroxine therapy are similar in terms of cardiovascular event rates, with lower pharmacy costs for the generic drug. The analysis used deidentified claims data from a large private health plan and included over 87,000 patients.
Cardiology medication affordability in Russia studied in a new report
A study analyzed medicine prices in Russia, finding a significant decrease since 2015, with generic prices nearing reference prices. Regulatory measures implemented in the Russian Federation have contributed to improving access to medicines.
Prescription drug costs steadily soar, yet price transparency is lacking
A Scripps Research study analyzed pharmacy insurance claims from over 35 million Americans and found that popular brand-name drugs experienced 'continual, marked, annual increases' between 2012 and 2017. The researchers concluded that the complex rebate system drives up costs for consumers.
Reading clinician visit notes can improve patients' adherence to medications
A study of 20,000 patients found that reading their clinicians' visit notes significantly improves patient-reported behaviors and perceptions concerning benefits versus risks. Patients reported increased understanding of medications and felt more in control of their medications after reading their notes.
Doctors can estimate patient adherence by simply asking about medication routine
Researchers found that doctors were as accurate in estimating patients' adherence as patients were in reporting their medication habits. Developing a medication routine or habit can lessen the risk of forgetting medication. The study aims to provide insights for doctors to effectively identify and address barriers to medication adherence.
Weight loss medicines underutilized by veterans
A new study found that weight loss medications are extremely lowly used among eligible veterans, with only about one percent receiving treatment. Barriers such as insurance coverage, age, and ethnicity drive underuse of these medications, highlighting the need for additional research to better understand obstacles.
Stark racial, financial divides found in opioid addiction treatment
A new study reveals stark racial and financial divides in opioid addiction treatment, with white patients receiving nearly four times as many buprenorphine prescriptions as black patients. The study also found that three-quarters of buprenorphine prescriptions were given to those who paid cash or had private insurance.
Diabetes complications soar in the US, but not Canada, as teenagers become young adults
A new study found that hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) surge in the US among young adults, but remain relatively low in Canada. The disparity is attributed to differences in healthcare systems and access to insulin, with the US experiencing a significant increase in DKA rates as teenagers become young adults.
Patients of medicare providers committing fraud, abuse more likely to be poor, disabled
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that patients treated by Medicare providers committing fraud and abuse are more likely to be minorities, disabled, and dually-enrolled in Medicaid. The study analyzed data from 2012-2015 and identified over 1 million beneficiaries treated by excluded providers.
External reference drug pricing could save Medicare tens of billions
A new study finds that brand-name prescription drugs in the US are 3.2-4.1 times higher than in the UK, Japan, and Canada. Adopting external reference pricing could reduce Medicare spending by up to 70% and improve affordability for beneficiaries.
Induced labor not more expensive to health care system than spontaneous labor
A joint study between University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare found that inducing labor one week early costs the same as waiting for spontaneous labor. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 low-risk mothers and found that increased costs from longer hospital stays are offset by cost savings from avoiding additional tes...
Out-of-pocket costs for neurologic medications rise sharply over 12 years
The study found that out-of-pocket costs for MS drugs increased 20 times between 2004 and 2016, with people in high-deductible plans paying twice as much. The annual cost of treating neurologic disorders in the US is over $500 billion.
Drug companies warm up to continuous manufacturing
The pharmaceutical industry is embracing continuous manufacturing processes, offering reduced costs, factory space, and processing time. Companies like Janssen, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer have received approvals for drugs produced by continuous processes, paving the way for more complex chemistries.
Texting to improve health outcomes for people with schizophrenia
A randomized controlled trial found that texting patients with schizophrenia improved medication adherence by 27%, reducing relapses and re-hospitalizations. The LEAN program, which combines lay health supporters and mobile texting, was effective in resource-poor settings.
People with heart disease at risk when pharmacies close
Research from the University of Illinois Chicago shows that pharmacies closing leads to decreased adherence to heart medications like statins and beta-blockers. People living in low-access neighborhoods or using independent pharmacies are most affected.
Mindful body awareness training during treatment for drug addiction helps prevent relapse
A novel body awareness training, MABT, helps women recover from drug addiction by teaching them to recognize physical and emotional signals in their bodies. Participants who received the intervention showed significant improvements in substance use, distress, and emotion regulation, with lasting effects over a year.
The pressure to prescribe: Antibiotic stewardship in the outpatient setting
A new study found that 40% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions were unnecessary, with urinary tract infections, bronchitis, skin structure infections, and sinusitis being common causes. Real-time alerts and patient education may help reduce misuse by targeting these factors in the outpatient setting.
All things could be part of the Internet of Things with new RFID system
The IDAct system uses battery-free RFID tags and readers to track objects and detect human presence, potentially enhancing elder care with unobtrusive monitoring of medications and daily activities. The technology has been tested with high accuracy, detecting specific activities over 96% of the time.
Few people with heart failure take guideline-recommended drug, especially if not started while hospitalized
A study found that heart failure patients are more likely to use the medication ivabradine when it is prescribed before hospital discharge. This can lead to a reduction in heart rate and improved outcomes. However, adoption of the therapy has been slow due to high cost and provider lack of familiarity.
The screen interval for high cardiovascular disease risk should be individual
A study suggests that individualized screening intervals can effectively reduce cardiovascular disease risk by detecting high-risk individuals more timely. The researchers found that the current 5-yearly screenings are unnecessarily frequent for low-risk individuals and insufficiently frequent for intermediate-risk individuals.
Giving intravenous therapy to children at home is costly, lowers parents' quality of life
A new study by University of Utah Health found that oral antimicrobial drugs excel in preserving parents' quality of life, costing significantly less ($7 vs $65 each day) and requiring less administration time (6 vs 90 minutes). This results in reduced time off work (30 vs 60 hours) and fewer missed days of school or daycare.
Are preventive drugs overused at the end of life in older adults with cancer?
A new study finds that preventive medications, such as those for blood pressure and bone health, are frequently continued until death in older adults with cancer. The use of these medications can increase the risk of serious side effects and reduce quality of life.
Cost savings from growth hormone insurance strategies not passed on to patients
A study by researchers found that growth hormone insurance strategies reduced total and insurer costs, but patient savings were minimal. The cost of treatment decreased for insurers, while average copayments, deductibles, and patient financial burden increased.
'Chronoprints' identify samples by how they change over space and time
Researchers developed a simple, inexpensive method to identify samples by observing how they react to environmental changes. By capturing chronoprints – images of sample changes over time and distance – the test can compare unknown samples with authentic foods and medicines.
Seeing through food and drug fakes and frauds
Researchers have developed a simple method called chronoprinting that can detect counterfeit medicines and food products. By analyzing how samples change over time, chronoprinting uses image analysis algorithms to distinguish pure from adulterated substances.
No increased risk of complications for joint replacement in ambulatory surgery setting
A recent study published by Hospital for Special Surgery found that joint replacement surgeries performed in an ambulatory setting show no increased risk of complications. The average cost per patient was $11,677 compared to $19,361 for in-patient procedures.
Drug that prevents lung problems in older preemies also lowers costs
A new study finds that a drug given to pregnant women at risk of premature birth also lowers healthcare costs. The analysis revealed that pairs who received the treatment had average costs of $4,681 compared to $5,379 for those who did not receive it.
Lower costs associated with late-preterm steroid therapy, NIH-funded analysis finds
A recent analysis found that giving the steroid betamethasone to pregnant women at risk of late-preterm delivery results in lower hospital stays for infants. The study estimated costs for over 1,400 mother-infant pairs and found that the average cost for those who received the drug was $4,681, compared to $5,379 for those who did not.
CAMH study reveals a new target for developing treatments for depression
Researchers at CAMH have discovered a new target for developing treatments for depression by finding higher levels of the brain protein MAO-B in people with clinical depression. The study found that individuals with depression had 26% higher MAO-B levels in their prefrontal cortex compared to those without depression.
BU conducts first experimental evaluation of pharmaceutical industry-led access program
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health evaluates the Novartis Access program in Kenya, demonstrating that robust, 'gold standard' methods can be used to assess major pharmaceutical companies' access programs. The study found that the program significantly increased availability of two medicines in health facilities bu...
Generic immunosuppressants have reduced costs after organ transplantation
The introduction of generic immunosuppressive medications has led to significant cost savings for transplant patients and the Medicare program. On average, payments decreased by 48%-67% for Medicare Part D plans and 24%-44% for patients receiving the low-income subsidy.
New genetic test improves safety of inflammatory bowel disease treatments
A genetic discovery identifies a gene mutation allowing clinicians to tailor alternative treatments to patients at risk of thiopurine-induced bone marrow suppression. The test could reduce risks and costs associated with IBD treatment.
Insurance rules make it harder to treat opioid use disorder
A study by OHSU researchers found that insurance industry cost-control measures have restricted access to buprenorphine, a vital medication for treating opioid use disorder. The proportion of insurance plans offering buprenorphine without restrictions decreased from 89% in 2007 to 35% in 2018.
Nearly half of adults with heart disease can't afford their medical bills
A Yale research team found that nearly half of non-elderly adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease report financial hardship due to medical bills. The study reveals significant financial distress among these individuals, including cutting back on essential medications.
Study: Medicare rules increase out-of-pocket costs of MS drugs
Researchers found that Medicare patients with multiple sclerosis spend $6,894 a year out of pocket for treatment. This is attributed to the lack of incentives for companies not to raise prices, leading to restrictive policies and high coinsurance cost-sharing models.
Follow-up phone calls by pharmacists help patients after hospital discharge
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology finds that pharmacist-led follow-up calls can significantly reduce hospital readmission rates and improve patient outcomes. The intervention also had positive effects on healthcare costs, patient beliefs about medicines, and patient satisfaction.
On its own, Trump admin's price disclosure policy unlikely to help curb drug prices
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Trump administration's price disclosure policy is unlikely to help control drug prices on its own. The research showed that price disclosure for expensive drugs reduces demand, but modifications such as language explaining discounts can mitigate this effect.
Price disclosure legislation unlikely to lower drug costs
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that price disclosure legislation may not be effective in lowering drug costs. The research found that consumers are less likely to ask about high-priced drugs if they see a clear price disclosure, but this effect is short-lived and can be undermined by coupon programs.
Firsthand accounts indicate fentanyl test strips are effective in reducing overdose risk
A Brown University study found that fentanyl test strips are effective in reducing overdose risk, with participants using them to test suspicious drug supplies and testing residue at home due to perceived stigma. The test strips also helped participants change their behavior to reduce overdose risk if they detected fentanyl.
WSU smart home tests first elder care robot
The Robot Activity Support System (RAS) uses sensors in a WSU smart home to detect elderly residents' needs and provide assistance with daily activities. RAS can navigate, offer video instructions and lead owners to objects needed.
Rising drug prices linked to older products, not just newer, better medications
A study from the University of Pittsburgh found that rising drug costs are driven by both new and existing medications. While new drugs contribute to price increases, existing products explain most of the cost rises, particularly for brand-name drugs with multiple patents preventing competition.
Study: Technology and doctors combine to detect patients who don't take their pills
A study combining technology with healthcare provider perceptions identifies nonadherent patients better than doctors' perceptions alone. Pharmacy refill data shows that combining provider reports and pharmacy data leads to the most balanced sensitivity and negative predictive power.
Canagliflozin not associated with increased risk for fracture
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, is not associated with an increased risk of nonvertebral fractures among patients with type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 70 million patients, suggests that caution may still be necessary when prescribing canaglifloz...
Editorial: Stop allowing beliefs to get in the way of treating opioid use disorder
A recent editorial emphasizes the importance of evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), highlighting the benefits of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Experts stress that these treatments should be evaluated like any other chronic illness, free from unnecessary regulations and biases.
Daily medication more cost-effective than monthly injections for opioid use disorder
A daily dose of buprenorphine-naloxone is cost-effective compared to monthly injections of extended-release naltrexone, with similar effectiveness in quality of life and time abstaining from opioids. The researchers conclude that buprenorphine-naloxone should be preferred as the first-line treatment for opioid use disorder.
New study finds racial disparities in oral anticoagulant use
A new study found racial disparities in the use of oral anticoagulants among Black patients with atrial fibrillation. Compared to white and Hispanic patients, Black patients had lower odds of receiving oral anticoagulants, particularly newer versions.