A COST VARIATION ANALYSIS OF ORAL AND TOPICAL ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS AVAILABLE FOR THE TREATMENT OF SUPERFICIAL FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN INDIA – AN INSIGHT TO THE RISING TREATMENT COST

Abstract

Objective: This study objective was to evaluate the cost variation among systemic and topical antifungal drugs used for superficial fungal infection which is available in India. Methods: This cross-sectional study assembled the cost of individual antifungal agents belonging to the same strength and dosage forms being manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies in India were documented in Indian Rupees (INR). The study tools were the latest edition January–April 2022 of Current Index of Medical Specialties and 1 mg online application. The study parameters were minimum and maximum cost, difference in maximum and minimum cost, and percentage cost variation. Results: A total of 14 antifungal agents, including seven orals and seven topical, were analyzed. Fluconazole 50 mg tablet is manufactured by 67 companies and has the maximum cost variation of 2695.8%. This is followed by capsule itraconazole 100 mg (cost variation – 1900%) and is manufactured by largest number of companies, that is, 1039. Luliconazole 30 g cream has highest cost ratio of 13.75 and cost variation of 1275% which was manufactured by largest number of companies, that is, 211. There was a linear relationship seen in linear regression analysis between number of manufacturing companies and percentage cost variation (p=0.0204). Conclusion: A rationale prescription should always consider the most economical treatment depending on the patient. Adequate information to medical practitioner about cost variation of drugs and strict actions and coordination of regulatory authorities will overcome the problem of huge cost variation.