Cost analysis of antipsychotic drugs available in India

Abstract

Background: Indian drug market has large numbers of branded formulations for every drug molecule. 1 Cost-sensitive healthcare environment has created a challenging workplace for clinicians. Efficient use of healthcare resources without compromising quality of patient care has been a challenging task for healthcare professionals. There is a wide range of variation in the prices of drugs marketed in India. Thus, a study was planned to analyse out cost variations of antiepileptic drugs available in Indian market.Methods: Minimum and maximum costs in Rupees (INR) of different brands of same generic antipsychotic drugs, in the same strength and dosage forms were compared. The cost ratio and percentage cost variation were calculated for each generic antipsychotic drug. The number of formulations for antipsychotic drugs and number of brands for each of them were also taken into consideration.Results: This study shows that in Indian market, there are wide variations in the prices of different brands of same generic antipsychotic drug. The highest cost ratio and percent cost variation was found for risperidone 2 mg [(1:16.27) and 1527.48], followed by risperidone 4 mg [(1:16.25) and 1525.25], risperidone 3 mg [(1:15.67) and 1467.33], risperidone 1 mg [(1:14.86) and 1386.78], olanzapine 10 mg [(1:12.36) and 1136.84], and olanzapine 5 mg [(1:12.31) and 1130.76]. Highest number of brands of antipsychotic drug available in Indian market are for divalproex sodium 500mg(25) followed by olanzapine 15 mg(23), olanzapine 5 mg(23), olanzapine 2.5mg(14), and risperidone 1 mg (14). Highest numbers of formulations of antipsychotic drug available in Indian market are for olanzapine(06), quetiapine(05), haloperidol(05), and aripiprazole(05).Conclusions: In Indian market, the average percentage price variation of different brands of the same oral antipsychotic drugs is very wide. Treatment with antipsychotic drugs usually has a long course with treatment adherence being a crucial factor for successful treatment. Improved adherence to the drug treatment can be ensured by decreasing the cost of therapy. Decreased drug cost expenditure can be ensured by changes in the government policies and regulations, integrating pharmacoeconomics as part of medical education curriculum, and creating awareness among treating physicians for switching to cost effective therapy.

Cost variation analysis of commonly prescribed oral antipsychotic drugs available in India-a pharmacoeconomic perspective

“…This is consistent with similar studies done on oral antipsychotic drugs. 10,11 Majority of Indian population is not covered under health insurance and the higher the economic burden of treatment, the lower will be the compliance. Since adherence to treatment plays a major role in the outcome of psychiatric illnesses, it is of paramount importance that the treating physician is aware about the significant difference in prices of different brands and takes the economic situation of patient into account while prescribing a particular brand.…”

Cost variation analysis of antihypertensive drugs acting through renin angiotensin aldosterone axis modulation

“…The maximum and minimum price of different brands of each drug for the same dosage form and strength were noted. The percentage cost variation and cost ratio was then calculated for each drug as follows: [10][11][12][13][14][15] Percentage cost variation = Maximum cost of the brandMinimum cost of the brand / Minimum cost of the brand) x 100.…”

Variabilidad de costos de antipsicóticos según establecimientos farmacéuticos en Lima, Perú

“…Los costos de los antipsicóticos varían ampliamente en el mercado. La variabilidad del costo (relación entre el costo mínimo y máximo) de la risperidona en la India es de 1 a 16 y de la olanzapina de 1 a 12; la variabilidad de estos fármacos en Brasil es de 1 a 35 000 y de 1 a 79, respectivamente (10,11) . El alto costo que pueden alcanzar los antipsicóticos genera un menor acceso a estas medicinas y la posibilidad de que los pacientes no puedan continuar con el tratamiento.…”