Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To compare drop size and treatment cost with 0,5% timolol maleate generics. Methods: The drop volume of Timoptol® 0,5% (Merck Sharp & Dome) and its generics (Allergan–Lok, Cristália and Falcon) were determined. Five botles of each medication were purchased at local drugstores. Using a precision scale, ten drops and one mililiter of each botle were weigth. drop volume was calculated by the relation between volume and weight. Duration in days of each botle and annual cost were calculated considering a daily use of 4 drops and maximum price to consumers published in may of 2003. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed for drop volume (p<0,0001%). Allergan–Lok timolol maleate had the largest drop (35,1µl) and the smaller was Falcon timolol maleate (27,3µl). Timoptol® drop volume was 27,9µl. Annual treatment cost was R$68.87 for Timoptol, R$72.76 for Allergan–Lok timolol maleate, R$50.00 for Cristalia timolol maleate and R$43.11 for Falcon timolol maleate (p<0,0001)(1 US$∼R$3.00). Allergan–Lok timolol maleate was statiscally more expensive than others and it was 68,8% more expensive than the cheapest. Conclusions: There are differences in drop volume among generic medications for glaucoma which are related to their annual cost. Drop volume should be considered on the quality analsys of generics.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: health care delivery/economics/manpower • anterior segment