Analysis of cost variation among various statin preparations available in India
Authors : Padmavathi Vutukuru, Padmavathi Vutukuru, Kranti Tekulapally, Kranti Tekulapally
DOI : 10.18231/2393-9087.2019.0004
Volume : 6
Issue : 1
Year : 2019
Page No : 14-17
Introduction: Hyperlipidemias are recognized as one of the major risk factors for the development of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Statins are the most potent lipid lowering agents currently available that significantly lower the morbidity and mortality associated with CAD.
Aim: To compare the cost of various statins of different brands by calculating the percentage variation of cost.
Materials and Methods: Prices of different statin preparations per 10 tablets/ capsules in rupees were reviewed from Drug today April-June 2018 issue and www.drugsupdate.com for analysis. Maximum and minimum price difference of the same drug manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies was calculated. Percentage variation was calculated as per the following formula
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Drug formulations manufactured by only one company and those whose price could not be obtained from the sources were excluded from analysis.
Results: Maximum companies are manufacturing single drug atorvastatin 10mg (192) and atorvastatin 5 mg + ezetimibe 10mg (40). Highest percentage variation in cost is found with atorvastatin 5 mg (900%) and in atorvastatin 10mg + amlodipine 5 mg (1488%).
Conclusion: There is wide variation in the cost of various statins available in India, which increases the economic burden on patients. Government of India should take more consumer friendly steps to control the cost of drugs. Physicians should maintain a P-drug list and prescribe low cost and effective drugs to improve compliance to drug therapy and ensure effective treatment of the disease.
Keywords: Statins, Cost variation, Hyperlipidemias.