Cost Variation Analysis Study of Floroquinolones in India: Dilemma of the Prescribing Doctors “Which Brand To Choose?”

Abstract

Background: Prescriber plays a vital role of choosing the drug and its brand for the patient which affects the patient in terms of safety, efficacy as well as the cost. In India, the infectious diseases form the major burden. Flouroquinolones are one of the most prescribed antibiotics which provide therapeutic cure. The study aimed to see the cost variation of oral fluoroquinolones available in India. Methods: The costs of a particular oral flouroquinolones were obtained from CIMS and Drug Today for the same strength and dosage. Results: Of 25 drugs used as single drug therapy Levofoxacin (500 mg) showed highest price variation of 14526.87 % and only 6 had less than 100 % variation. Of the 10 types of combinations are available with 12 types of dosage forms. Maximum cost variation (390.63%) was seen with ofloxacin and ornidazole (200+500) combination. Conclusion: There is a wide cost variation among oral flouroquinolones which adds to the dilemma for the prescribing physician. There is a need to include pharmaco-economics in medical curriculum for sensitizing the doctors about cost of prescriptions and need for regulatory authorities to initiate measures to bring regularities in cost and monitor it.