Cost variation analysis of hypolipidemic drugs currently available in Indian pharmaceutical market

Abstract

Background: Indian pharmaceutical industry is one of the growing pharmaceutical markets in the world having number of formulations available with large difference in prices. Price variations of such drugs which are used by large number of population have major economical implication. Hyperlipidemia is major risk factor for ischaemic heart diseases. So we planned this study to find out variation in cost of oral hypolipidemic drugs available in India either as a single drug or as fixed dose combination (FDCs) and to compare cost of their generic version with brands.Methods: The prices of single and FDCs of hypolipidemic drugs were taken from “Indian Drug Review 2018” and “Current Index of Medical Specialities during October 2018 to December 2018”. Maximum and minimum prices of various hypolipidemic drugs of same strength and dosage forms manufactured by different companies were taken.Results: Minimum cost variations are 3.62% (pravastatin 10 mg) and 3.37% (rosuvastatin 5 mg and fenofibrate 67 mg). Maximum cost variations are 500% (simvastatin 5 mg) and 500.32% (atorvastatin 10 mg and fenofibrate 160 mg). Wide variations are found in cost of brand drug with generic version of same strength components. None of the pharmaceutical companies are selling drugs cheaper than or equal to the cost of generic drugs of same strength.Conclusions: Most of hypolipidemic drugs should come under control of Drug Price Control Order so that financial burden of healthcare services on Indian population can be reduced and by adherence to treatment will improve health status of the community.