Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
Implementing a national pharmacare program in 2020 would require $9.7 billion in public funding, resulting in $13.5 billion in savings to the private sector. The authors suggest using a mix of federal revenue sources, including small increases in personal and corporate taxes.
Drug development stakeholders advocate for predictive, human-based nonclinical tests to prioritize safety and effectiveness. They propose increased funding, improved guidelines, and regulation to reduce waste, cost, and animal use.
Researchers analyzed simulated children with peanut allergy and estimated value-based pricing for autoinjector devices. The analysis suggests a maximum price of $24 a year to protect against risk of death from anaphylaxis.
A new study by RCSI found that older hospital patients are 72% more likely to receive inappropriate prescriptions, regardless of other factors. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider the potential adverse effects of hospitalization on prescribing appropriate medication for older adults.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released new guidelines for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), emphasizing the importance of review by an infectious diseases specialist before starting treatment. Regular monitoring and blood tests are also recommended to ensure patient safety.
A new study found that personalized medicine technique reduced treatment times by up to 6 weeks, with 21 patients remaining virus-free and no significant loss of efficacy. The results have the potential to save $10 billion annually in healthcare costs.
A new study found that legacy prescribing patterns are widespread, with 46% of patients prescribed antidepressants continuously for more than 15 months. The researchers highlight the need for system-oriented change to address this issue and explore legacy prescribing as a quality measure.
Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to create new ways to use renewably sourced plant and wood polymers to tackle long-standing challenges in medical drug solubility. The project focuses on designing biodegradable polymers that can help orally administered drugs reach the bloodstream effectively.
Lifestyle interventions, medication, and surgery can effectively delay or prevent type 2 diabetes in the majority of patients, but limited access to these treatments is a major issue. Evidence-based interventions show that weight loss through lifestyle changes or metabolic surgery can reduce the risk of diabetes by up to 78%.
Research from the LBJ School of Public Affairs found that Northern Ireland's strict abortion laws have negative consequences for women's physical and mental well-being. Women often face barriers to accessing care, including fear of prosecution, lack of clarity on healthcare provider duties, and challenges in arranging travel or childcare.
A new study reveals wide variation in benzodiazepine prescribing among primary care doctors, with some counties having three times the level of sedative prescribing as others. High-intensity prescribers tend to be high-intensity users of opioid painkillers and other high-risk medications.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati recommend universal screening for all adults due to the rise in hepatitis C cases among younger patients. The new strategy is cost-effective and aims to prevent long-term health problems such as liver cancer and cirrhosis.
A study from University of California San Diego found that patients who recorded videos of themselves taking TB medications had better adherence to treatment than those observed in-person. VDOT (video directly observed therapy) was also cost-effective and preferred over traditional DOT.
A new report by UCL and partners warns that the global health innovation system is 'fundamentally broken' and fails to deliver treatments at affordable prices. The report calls for a major overhaul of the system to prioritize long-term public value over short-term corporate profits.
The new guidelines update previous recommendations, prioritizing patient-centric care, medication adherence, and lifestyle management. They also highlight the importance of metabolic surgery, metformin as first-line therapy, and personalized medication selection based on patient preferences and comorbidities.
A new USC study reveals that sudden price hikes for some generic drugs are becoming more common, reflecting emerging strategies by generic manufacturers to target therapeutic areas with limited competition. The study found that prices for most generic drugs declined over time, but the fraction of drugs with prices that at least doubled...
A new study reveals that cardiac implants in the US are significantly more expensive than those in European countries, with prices ranging from $340 to $4,200 for a single device. The research suggests that health system-level factors contribute to these price differences and may influence hospital incentives to contain costs.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago caution against adopting smart pill technology due to concerns over patient privacy and consent. The technology, which tracks drug regimen compliance, may not improve patients' lives as promised.
Prescription drug shortages lead to estimated $230 million in annual costs due to rising prices and substitution drugs. Researchers found price increases reflect manufacturers' opportunistic behavior during shortages.
The DIY bio movement is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry with open-source protocols for manufacturing off-patent insulin, increasing competition and potentially making life-saving medicine more affordable. The Open Insulin Project, a case study, aims to develop and release an open-source protocol for manufacturing insulin.
Researchers found that medical cannabis provides immediate symptom relief across various health conditions, including chronic pain and insomnia. Patients reported an average symptom reduction of nearly 4 points on a 1-10 scale following cannabis consumption.
A pilot initiative found that home blood pressure monitoring improved hypertension control in 86% of patients. The study also showed significant cost savings from reduced office visits and emergency department costs.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics emphasizes the need for affordable treatment options for rare and ultra-rare diseases. Key recommendations include preventing abuses of the Orphan Drug Act and aligning drug packaging with dosing recommendations to reduce waste. The organization urges policymakers to develop simple,...
A new study published in JAMA Neurology shows that the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion has reduced the number of young stroke survivors who stop taking their medications due to cost. The study found that nearly 31% of all stroke survivors aged 45-64 were covered by Medicaid, up from 24% in 2011-2013.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been associated with a decrease in cost-related nonadherence to medication among adult stroke survivors. This is primarily attributed to the increase in Medicaid coverage and subsequent reduction in uninsurance rates within this group.
Analysis of Medicare Part D spending reveals $925 million difference between brand-name combo drugs and using generic components. Prescriber education and substitution policies can help reduce costs by promoting generic substitution.
A recent study found that initiating potentially inappropriate medication is associated with a higher risk of fracture-specific hospitalizations and mortality. The study also revealed higher hospital costs, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing medication use in older adults.
The authors propose increasing incentives and modifying regulations to improve competition, redirecting overinvestment in new drug development to the generic market, and pivoting from short-term survival mode to long-term organized responses. These solutions aim to enhance competition, provide patients with reliable access to vital dru...
A study by CU Anschutz researchers found that US drug prices are not aligned with their value or net health benefits. The researchers used a forecasting model to calculate cost-effectiveness for commonly reimbursed cardiovascular drugs, revealing a wide spectrum of cost-effectiveness and varying price-to-health-gain ratios.
Researchers have developed a new method called matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) to compare the effectiveness of drugs with limited data, enabling more accurate reimbursement decisions. By analyzing patient characteristics, MAIC provides unbiased estimates of treatment effects, helping to optimize resource allocation.
A nationally representative survey suggests that Americans' view of marijuana use is more favorable than existing evidence supports, with many ascribing health benefits to marijuana despite insufficient evidence. The survey found extensive gaps in understanding the health effects and safety of marijuana use.
A California-based bariatric center reduced postoperative complications, including rehospitalization and infections, despite increasing its surgical volume. The center's quality improvement project involved implementing standardized processes and educating staff to reduce bleeding and urinary tract infections.