Abstract

COST VARIATION ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS BRANDS OF ANTICANCER DRUGS AVAILABLE IN INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET-A PHARMACOECONOMICS STUDY

Khandade Suvarna*, Gadappa Manisha and Hiray Rajesh

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cancer is one of the most expensive and lethal noncommunicable diseases and second leading cause of death worldwide. Cost of drugs is a crucial factor influencing adherence to treatment of disease and also constitutes an essential part of rational drug prescription. Pharmacoeconomics study helps physician to select most economic and rational treatment so this study was planned. Objectives: To find out and compare the cost of a particular anti-cancer drug being manufactured by different companies. To evaluate the variation of cost among different brands of a same drug. Method: This is an observational, analytical study. Results: Cost of total 53 drugs available in 9 different classes were analyzed. They are available in the market as 959 different formulations which are manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies. This study shows that among individual anticancer drug classes, highest percent cost variation (1623.82%) was found for hormonal agents and lowest with antibiotics anticancer drugs (151.11 %). Conclusion: Indian market, there is very wide price variation of different brands of the same generic anticancer drug. Health care providers must be aware of availability of low cost brands or generics available among anti-cancer drugs to improve patient compliance and for successful treatment of cancers. Also the consumer (patient) should be educated about branded drugs and generic formulations.

Keywords: Cancer, Cost variation, Pharmacoeconomics.