Abstract
Purpose :
To determine recent price trends of generic and brand name ophthalmic medications and to compare those trends with pharmaceutical, healthcare, and economic benchmarks.
Methods :
Yearly prices of various ophthalmic drugs were calculated by averaging the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) during the first available month of data for each year for 2013-2017. NADACs are made publicly available by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Twenty-one glaucoma drugs (12 generic, 9 brand), 8 NSAIDs (3 generic, 5 brand), 12 steroids (4 generic, 8 brand), and 2 cycloplegics (2 generic) were studied. Percent changes in price were determined for each drug yearly and from 2013 to 2017. Percent changes in various consumer price indices (CPIs) and after tax income were based on data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Results :
The following reflect 2013 to 2017 percent changes for prices and CPIs. All brand name glaucoma drugs increased in price (average: 55%; range: 25% for timolol to 96% for brinzolamide). Ten of twelve generic glaucoma drugs decreased in price (average: -6.0%; range: -49% for levobunolol to 104% for oral methazolamide). Generic oral acetazolamide price decreased by -14%. Four of five brand name NSAIDs increased in price (average: 37%; range: -6.1% for bromfenac to 52% for ketorolac). Two of three generic NSAIDs decreased in price (average: 9.2%; range: -9.4% for ketorolac to 38% for bromfenac). All brand name steroids increased in price (average: 114%; range: 35% for loteprednol to 347% for fluorometholone). All generic steroids increased in price (average: 277%; range: 26% for prednisolone to 833% for fluorometholone). Generic atropine and generic tropicamide prices changed by 397% and -63% respectively. CPIs increased by 5.5%, 17%, and 12% for all items, prescription drugs, and medical care respectively. Households with reference persons 65 or older had after tax income increase by 5.1% from 2013-2016.
Conclusions :
From 2013 to 2017, prices of brand name glaucoma drugs, generic and brand name steroids, and atropine increased more than benchmarks whereas generic NSAIDs rose comparably. Generic glaucoma drugs and tropicamide prices decreased. These results will guide cost-conscious prescribing and foster competition in the marketplace.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.