Pal1 the Impact of the Rx-to-Otc Switch of Loratadine and Changes in Prescription Drug Benefits on Utilization and Cost of Therapy

A 30-Month Evaluation of the Effects on the Cost and Utilization of Proton Pump Inhibitors From Adding Omeprazole OTC to Drug Benefit Coverage in a State Employee Health Plan

“…For the low-sedating antihistamines (LSAs), also known as second generation antihistamines, one study suggested that a substantial decrease in utilization and cost occurred even for plan sponsors who did not cover loratadine OTC when it became available. 12 The health plans that did not cover loratadine OTC experienced cost savings, in part, by shifting costs to the beneficiaries to pay for the OTC drug out of pocket. Meissner et al found that the use of LSAs, and the therapeutic alternative nasal steroids, was resilient to a $10 (47%) increase in member cost-share.…”

Evaluation of Product Switching After a State Medicaid Program Began Covering Loratadine OTC 1 Year After Market Availability

“…This conclusion is supported by the relative success in converting persons to loratadine OTC who previously used loratadine Rx as a result of the grace period associated with the legacy stock provision (Figure 4 Various approaches have been employed by researchers to evaluate OTC switching behavior. [7][8][9][10]15 However, we are unaware of previous literature that has been able to measure or approximate OTC use empirically using administrative claims data. In large part, this is because OTC use is difficult to track in the absence of administrative claims data.…”

“…9 Empirical evidence from a study considering a number of different managed care pharmacy benefit plans found that the Rx-to-OTC switch of loratadine resulted in a decrease in all allergic rhinitis-related utilization, suggesting that the decrease in LSA utilization was not associated with a commensurate increase in use of other allergic rhinitis drugs such as nasal steroids or montelukast. 10 However, n one of these studies reflects the specific effect within a Medicaid environment, and none directly assesses loratadine OTC coverage or its use. In fact, Sullivan et al point to the inability to readily measure OTC use as a serious limitation that needs to be addressed in future papers.…”

“…In fact, Sullivan et al point to the inability to readily measure OTC use as a serious limitation that needs to be addressed in future papers. 10 The study of concurrent OTC and Rx drug use will become increasingly important as more drugs become available over the counter. Nearly 4 out of every 5 Americans report using an OTC product in the previous 6 months, 11 and nearly two thirds of all OTC purchases in 1996 were for products containing ingredients that were once Rx-only.…”

A review of pharmaceutical scheduling processes in six countries and the effect on consumer access to medicines

“…Switches that have resulted in savings to individuals and health systems in terms of reductions in both direct and indirect costs and reductions in general practitioner (GP) visits, have been shown in relation to H 2 antagonists, 21 second generation antihistamines, 22 and nicotine replacement therapy, 23 and for 16 medicines switched to non-prescription sale in Sweden. 24 However, one Australian study found that savings may not be universally enjoyed.…”