Maximum Price Variation Research Articles

An Analysis of Market Arrivals and Price Behavior of Coriander in Madhya Pradesh, India

The current research embarked on analysing wholesale prices of coriander in Madhya Pradesh spanning a decade from 2012-13 to 2021-22, sourced from specific A.P.M.Cs. The examination predominantly relied on secondary data regarding coriander arrivals and prices. Results uncovered a positive regression coefficient (β) correlated with time (T), indicating a consistent upward trend in wholesale coriander prices in Madhya Pradesh. Annual prices of coriander in Ashok Nagar, Guna, and Bhopal markets exhibited two cycles, one spanning 7 years and the other 2 years. Across all selected markets, a similar irregular fluctuation pattern observed in yearly coriander prices, lacking any distinct periodicity. Seasonal analysis revealed varying patterns in coriander prices across Bhopal, Ashok Nagar, and Guna markets, with no stable trend discernible. The Seasonal price variation of coriander in these markets was lowermost in January and remained relatively less throughout the sowing time. Coriander arrivals conspicuously dispersed more evenly in Bhopal market compared to the other two. In terms of IPR (Index of Price Relative), significant price variability was observed; with Guna market exhibiting the highest and Ashok Nagar market the lowest variability. Conversely, ASPV (Average Seasonal Price Variation) showed an inverse relationship with IPR, with Ashok Nagar market experiencing the maximum price variation among all selected markets.

A STUDY OF COST VARIATION ANALYSIS OF ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC DRUGS AVAILABLE IN INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET

Objectives: A large number of oral hypoglycemic drugs as single or fixed dose combinations are available for the treatment of diabetes mellitus which has a wide range of price variation and becomes a constraint in the treatment for both physician and patient. However, very few studies have been done to reveal such price variations. The objective of this study was to find out the cost variation among the different brands of various classes of oral hypoglycemic drugs in similar strength and dosage forms of single therapy and fixed-dose combinations. Methods: Cost of a particular drug being manufactured by different companies in the same strength, number, and dosage form was compared from the Current Index of Medical Specialties (CIMS) (January 2022–April 2022) and Indian Drug review 2022. The difference in the maximum and minimum price of the same drug manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies and the percentage variation in price was calculated. Results: Among single drug therapy, Glimepiride (1 mg) shows a maximum percentage variation in price of 3450%. Among Sulfonylureas-glimepiride (1 mg) shows a maximum price variation of 3450%, in Biguanides–metformin (500 mg), in Thiazolidinediones – Pioglitazone (15 mg) shows a maximum price variation of 900%, and 300%, respectively, and among the glucosidase inhibitors, Voglibose (0.3 mg) shows maximum price variation of 571.2%. Among combination formulation, glimepiride (1 mg) + metformin SR (500 mg) shows a maximum percentage of price variation of 262.1%. Conclusion: It is observed from our results that there is a wide variation in prices of drugs manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies. Hence, it is very necessary for regulatory authorities to regulate the wide variation in drug prices to maximize the benefits of the treatment. It is recommended that the appraisal and management of marketing drugs should be well-regulated.

Cost variation analysis of various oral cephalosporins available in the Indian market

Background: Cephalosporins stand as one of the most frequently prescribed antibiotics for combating infectious diseases. This group has proven to be effective in the treatment of both gram positive and gram negative infections. Analysis of price discrepancies among various brands of oral cephalosporins. Offers guidance for prescribing cost-effectively, which turns out to be beneficial for both the patient and the prescribing physician. A cost-effective prescribing pattern ensures good patient compliance and better treatment outcome. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to analyze price variation of various single oral cephalosporin formulations available in the Indian market. Materials and Methods: The prices of oral cephalosporins, produced by different pharmaceutical companies in India, with the same strength, were acquired from the current index of medical specialties, January-April 2023. The cost of generics was obtained from the official website janaushadhi.gov.in. The disparity between the highest and lowest prices of the identical formulation manufactured by different companies, the difference between the maximum and minimum prices of brand-name versus generic versions of the identical formulation, as well as the cost ratio and percentage cost variation, were computed. Results: Total number of brands range from 3 to 79 for various drugs. A large price variation was seen across the different brands. The maximum price variation 521.11% was seen with 100 mg of Cefixime and minimum price variation of 14.13% was seen with 125 mg of cefdinir. Conclusion: With the high variation in prices seen among the different drugs it is important to consider the affordability of the patient before prescribing the drug to ensure completion of the course and better treatment outcome.

Cost variation analysis of oral anti-diabetic agents available in Indian market

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze cost variations of oral antidiabetic drugs available in Indian market.Methods: An observational study was carried out using CIMS (current index of medical specialities), (July 2020 to October 2020) and 1 mg.com, where difference in the maximum and minimum price of a particular drug, manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies, in the same strength, number and dosage form was compared and the percentage variation in price was calculated. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis.Results: The minimum and maximum percentage price variation for different classes of drugs respectively is as follows- in single drug therapy, the price variation between a sulfonylurea group of drugs glibenclamide (5 mg) shows maximum price variation of 400%, while glipizide (2.5 mg) shows variation of 81.8%. In biguanides, thizolidinediones and DPP4 inhibitor groups of drugs, metformin (500 mg), pioglitazone (30 mg) and vildagliptin show maximum price variation of 334.78%, 307 % and 264.6% respectively. In α- glucosidases inhibitor group of drugs voglibose (0.2 mg) shows maximum price variation of 284%. In meglitinides group of drugs, nateglinide (60 mg) shows maximum price variation of 284.6 %. In combination drug therapy, glimepiride and metformin combination (2+500 mg SR) shows the maximum variation up to 352.8%.Conclusions: The percentage cost variation of different brands of the same drug manufactured in India is very wide and the reason behind marketing a drug should be directed towards maximizing the benefit of therapy and minimizing negative personal and economic consequences.

Cost variation analysis of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs available as single formulation in the Indian market

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly prescribed and over the counter (OTC) used drugs worldwide for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyretic properties. India being a hub for pharmaceutical industries, manufacture large number of branded and generic drugs. Thus, there is wide variation in their cost. Prescribing drug without considering the cost of therapy may result in loss of compliance or imposes economic burden on patient. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate existing price variation of different single NSAIDs formulations available in Indian market. Materials and Methods: Price of NSAIDs manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies in India, in the same strength, was obtained from Current Index of Medical Specialties, January-April 2020, Drug Today October-December 2019, and 1 mg.com. Difference in the maximum to minimum price of the same formulation manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies and percentage cost variation was calculated. Results: price of 14 NSAIDs that are available in 56 different formulations and manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies was obtained and evaluated. Study shows largest variation with Nimesulide 100 mg (5476.74%), piroxicam DT 20 (3071.46%), piroxicam 20 mg (2853.36%), diclofenac 50 mg (2786%), Aceclofenac 100 mg (2345.6%), and ibuprofen 400 mg (1198.70%) and minimum variation was seen with Aspirin 150 mg (90.47%) in oral formulations. All formulations of Diclofenac injection show very high price variation. Diclofenac 1% gel shows maximum price variation of 778.66% while Nimesulide 1% gel shows minimum variation of 159.32%. Conclusion: Our study finding showed significant cost variation in different brand of NSAIDs available in India. The physician must choose the drug on the basis of cost and rationality rather than on the basis of claims done by various pharmaceutical companies. Modifications in pharmaceutical policy with strict control on huge price variations are the need of time.

An inquiry of the nature and causes of price variation in vegetable marketing system of Bangladesh

The study was conducted to examine the nature of vegetable price variation from farmers to different traders through different marketing channels and identified some factors that were causes for vegetable price variation. On the basis of vegetable trader, five marketing channels identified which responsible for transporting vegetables from farmer to consumer. This study pointed out that the maximum price variation chain is Farmer ? Wholesaler ? Agent ? Retailer ? Consumer. This study also explored that price variation has a positive relationship with the increase of trader’s number and several times price variation executed in retailers’ level. Sometimes new trader arrivals in retail level which depends on the nature of vegetable deterioration. The majority farmers and traders remarked that price variation is occurred due to high input cost, high transportation cost, and traditional marketing system

A cost variation analysis of various brands of oral anti-diabetic drugs currently available in Indian pharmaceutical market

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder requiring lifelong treatment. There are a large number of anti-diabetic drugs available in the Indian market. The cost of drugs plays an important role in patient’s care, warranting the need for all physicians to keep themselves updated with the latest prices and price variation of various brands of anti-diabetic drugs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the cost of oral anti-diabetic drugs of different brands currently available in the Indian market.Methods: Cost of oral anti-diabetic drugs manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies in the same strength and dosage forms was obtained. The percentage price variation and cost ratio for each formulation was calculated.Results: In sulfonylurea group of drugs, maximum price variation was seen in glimepiride 1mg 1366% and minimum was seen in glipizide 2.5 mg 17%. In non-sulfonylurea group of drugs, a maximum variation was seen in metformin 500 mg 809% and a minimum variation was seen in acarbose 100 mg 10%. Among the fixed dose combination therapy, glimepiride 2 mg and metformin 500 mg showed the highest price variation 555% and pioglitazone 7.5 mg and metformin 500 mg showed the least price variation 8%.Conclusions: Our study showed that there is a very high price variation for oral anti-diabetic drugs by different brands. Since diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness, cost of the drug plays an important role in compliance to the treatment regimen. It is necessary to bring awareness regarding this wide variation in prices, such that the drug costs can be reduced and made more affordable to the common man.

Cost Analysis of Various Brands of Antibiotics and Corticosteroids in Dermatology Department

<!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head> </head> <body> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> Skin diseases are referred to the disorders that occur mainly on the superficial layers of the skin. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are commonly used drug classes in the management of skin disorders. Since, the variation in price of antibiotics and corticosteroids used in dermatological departments vary widely, this study was performed to give an insight on the difference of the cost of various brands of antibiotics and corticosteroids available in India. <strong>Methods:</strong> The 6-month prospective study conducted from September 2018 to March 2019 assessed the cost variability between different brands of antibiotics and corticosteroids commonly prescribed. The cost of various brands of drugs was collected from the Current Index of Medical Specialties (CIMS) and medguideindia.com. <strong>Results:</strong> It was seen that tablet prednisolone showed the maximum percentage price variation (4408.67%) followed by tablet azithromycin that varied by 1607.23%. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>As the drugs prescribed by brand names are higher than the drugs prescribed in their generic names, the cost effectiveness will not be achieved. This suggests that prescribing drugs in generic name will also have an option for the dispensing pharmacist to provide the suitable drug to the patient. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words: </strong>Antibiotics, Corticosteroids, Price variation, Dermatology, Cost analysis, Skin diseases. </body> </html>

Cost variation analysis of parenteral antibiotics in Indian pharmaceutical market

Background: The objective of the present study was to analyse price differences between parenteral antibiotics available in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: The study was done in the Department of Pharmacology of S. D. M. College of Medical Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka. Latest volume of current index of medical specialties or Indian Drug Review was used to analyze the prices of parenteral antibiotics.Results: Overall, prices of 17 single drug antibiotics available in 37 strengths marketed and 8 fixed-dose combinations available in 16 strength marketed were analyzed. It was observed that the maximum cost variation among the single ingredient parenteral antibiotic was with cefpirome 1000 mg. The price difference being Rs. 283 and the cost variation being 90.7%. The minimum price variation was seen with Ampicillin 100 mg of Rs. 4.3 and the cost variation being 40.2%. Additionally the highest price difference was also seen teicoplanin 400 mg i.e., Rs. 610 and its cost variation being 68.5%. Among the fixed-dose combination (FDC’s) the maximum price variation was observed in the combination of cefoperazone+sulbactum 1000+1000 of Rs. 340. Whereas the cost variation of the same was 212.5 %. The minimum price variation among the FDC’s was of the combination of ceftriaxone 250 mg + tazobactum 31.25 mg Rs. 3.3 and its cost variation being 7.9 %.Conclusions: Pharmacoeconomics facets must be taken into deliberation by healthcare practitioners while prescribing antibiotics to the patients for infectious disease treatment. This will assist compliance, reduce antibiotic resistance and treatment failure.

Analysis of price variation of some commonly used antibacterial agents

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem. Resistance may develop due to irrational use including poor patient compliance due to prescription of expensive drugs. In present study, the variation in the price of commonly used antibacterial was analysed.Methods: The price of commonly used antibacterial agents listed in recent issues of CIMS and MIMS was analysed in respect of number of brands available, price range (10 tablets or capsules) and 1 ampoule or vial (parenteral preparation) i.e. minimum, maximum and average price and price ratio (maximum/minimum). FDCs and formulation with only 1-2 brands were excluded.Results: The number of brands of oral antibacterial agents varied from 3 (faropenem 200 mg) to 90 (azithromycin 500 mg). The maximum price variation amongst different brands was 21.64 for levofloxacin 500 mg followed by 14.28 and 11.26 for linezolid 600 mg and moxifloxacin 400 mg respectively. For parenteral preparations, the number of brands varied from 2 (gentamicin 80 mg) to 57 (ceftriaxone 1 g). The maximum price variation was 5.05 for meropenem 1 g followed by 3.69 and 2.63 for meropenem 500 mg and ceftriaxone 1 g respectively.Conclusions: A very wide price variation was observed amongst different brands of both oral and parenteral formulations of antibacterial agents. Prescribing expensive brands may lead to resistance due to poor patient compliance.

Comparison of different brands of centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants: a cost analysis study

Background: Skeletal muscle relaxants are structurally distinct drugs prescribed for reducing muscle spasms, pain, and hyperreflexia. Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants are manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies with variable price. The present study, aimed to analyze the cost variation of various brands of centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants, so as to help the physician to choose the cost effective treatment.Methods: Current index of medical stores (CIMS) April 2018 and online literature were used as information guide to review the prices of drugs used in the treatment of musculo skeletal pain and spastic neurological disorders.Results: Among anti spasmodic group, thiocolchicoside 4 mg shows maximum price variation of 337.5%, whereas carisoprodol 350 mg shows the least variation of 0.1%. It is evident from antispastic group that baclofen 10 mg shows maximum price variation of 93.91% and 5 mg of Baclofen shows the least variation of 11.22%. It is observed that, among anti spastic group, a percentage prize variation of 93.91 for 10 mg and 11.22 for 5 mg baclofen. Largest % prize variation is seen in metaxalone + diclofenac sodium (400+50) mg as 525% and the least variation is observed in tolperisone+ paracetamol (150+325) mg as 3.88%.Conclusions: Centrally acting orally effective skeletal muscle relaxants are commonly prescribed for painful musculoskeletal and spastic neurological disorders. Physicians should give due importance for the cost of the drugs while selecting appropriate drug for musculo skeletal disorders.

Variation in banana prices in the Burhanpur market, Madhya Pradesh

Banana (Musa sp) is the most important fruit crop of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The banana prices in Burhanpur market for five years (2013–14 to 2017–18) were observed for their variation and skewness. It was indicated that highest maximum and minimum banana price variation was recorded in quarter Q1 (Jan-March) however middle price variationwas more during Q3 (July-Sept). The least variation for maximumprice was during Q3 and middle and minimal banana price variation was recorded in Q2 (April-June). All the types of banana prices studied did not follow normal distribution curve. It was leptokurtic for all types of prices studied. The minimum and middle banana prices showed negative skewness for Q1, Q2 and Q4 and positive for Q3. However maximum price showed negative skewness for Q2 and Q4 (Oct-Dec) and positive for Q1 and Q3. The year-wise quarterly graph indicated that average minimum, middle and maximum prices were very fluctuating in nature. It was concluded that the prices of banana were not stable at Burhanpur market of Madhya Pradesh. Thus this information may be useful for further planning of banana planting, harvesting and marketing.

Analysis of pricing of oral antiviral drug formulations available in Indian market

Background: Price of drug is highly variable in Indian market and it is a serious issue for people belonging to lower economic status in India. Manufacturing of single drug under different brand names by various pharmaceutical companies and sold under different price. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the variation in prices of antiviral drugs in Indian rupees. Aims and Objectives: Analysis of the price variation of the antiviral drugs of various brands available in Indian market. Materials and Methods: Price of a particular drug in the same strength and dosage forms being manufactured by different companies was obtained from “Current Index of Medical Specialties” October 2016–January 2017. Maximum and minimum price of antiviral drugs manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies and percentage variation in price were calculated. Results: Overall, the prices of 14 single and eight fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of antiviral drugs available in different formulations were analyzed. Among antiretroviral drugs, percentage price variation in Indian market was found to be maximum for zidovudine (100 mg capsule) 763% followed by lamivudine (100 mg tablet) - 361% and didanosine (400 mg tablet) - 69%. Among anti-herpes drugs, it was acyclovir (200 mg tablet) 161%. Among FDCs maximum price variation found to be lamivudine + zidovudine (300 + 300 mg) tablet 290% followed by lopinavir + ritonavir (150 + 300 mg) tablet 24.58% and nevirapine + lamivudine + stavudine (200 + 150 + 30 mg) tablet 21.18%. Conclusion: There is a wide variation in the prices of oral antiviral drugs available in Indian market. Physician should consider the cost while prescribing antiviral drugs. To minimizing the economic burden to the patients, the physicians, regulatory authorities, and Pharma companies should maximize their efforts to reduce the cost of drugs.

Cost variation among antiretroviral drugs: pharamcoeconomical prospective

Background: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disorder caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Main characteristic feature of AIDS includes severe immunosuppression which leads to opportunistic infections which is a main cause of death and requires a lifelong therapy. There exists wide range of cost variation in antiretroviral drugs that are marketed in India. The current study aims to view the existing situation of antiretroviral drugs, by collecting data about the cost of common antiretroviral drugs available either singly or in combination and to evaluate the difference in cost of different brands of same active drug by calculating percentage cost variation.Methods: Data for calculating cost ratio and percentage price variation of various antiretroviral drugs was obtained from “Current Index of Medical Specialties” October 2017-January2018.Results: Zidovudine 100mg shows maximum cost ratio and price variation followed by Lamivudin 100mg in the single drug therapy. Lamivudine 150mg + Zidovudine 300mg shows maximum price variation in combination drug therapy.Conclusions: Indian market shows wide price variation of different brands of the same generic antiretroviral drug. To decrease the wide cost variation among different brands of antiretroviral drugs; it is time to create awareness among healthcare professionals about impact of cost effectiveness of drug regimen and decrease the financial burden on the patients.

Cost variation analysis study of oral anti-depressant drugs available in India

Background: Depression is a disorder of major public health importance, in terms of its prevalence and the suffering, dysfunction, morbidity and economic burden. In India, the overall prevalence of depression is reported to be 15.9%. Antidepressant drugs are available in many different brands and costs of all brands are different. Patients of depression have to take the antidepressant drug for a long duration, so cost of the antidepressant drug influence the patient adherence to treatment and it is one of the important part of rational prescription.Methods: The cost of a particular drug being manufactured by different companies in the same strength and dosage forms was obtained from “Current Index of Medical Specialties” July-October, 2015, and “DrugsUpadate.com”. The cost ratio and percentage cost variation was calculated.Results: The prices of a total of 28 drugs (22 single and 6 combination preparations) available in 64 different formulations were analyzed. In single drug therapy, among Tri cyclic antidepressants (TCAs), Reboxetine (2 mg) showed the maximum price variation of 900%. In SSRIs, Dapoxetine (30 mg) showed the maximum price variation of 2360%. In SNRIs, Venlafaxine (75 mg) showed the maximum price variation of 109%. In Atypical antidepressants, Bupropion (150 mg) showed the maximum price variation of 515.38%. In RIMAs, Moclobemide (150 mg) showed the maximum price variation of 246.15% and in combination therapies, Amitriptyline with Chlordiazepoxide showed the maximum price variation of 129.35%.Conclusions: This study shows a wide variation in the prices of oral Anti-depressant drugs available in India. Psychiatrist/ Physician should consider the cost while prescribing antidepressant drugs. India being developing country most of the people belong to poor socioeconomic status, so prescribing same generic drug with low cost reduces economic burden and improves patient adherence to treatment which results in better outcome.

Cost variation analysis of antipsychotic drugs available in Indian market: an economic perspective

Background: Pricing of drugs plays a very important role in a developing country like India especially in the management of chronic conditions. There exists a huge price variation among the different brands of the same drug. Hence this study was planned to find out variation in prices of antipsychotic drugs marketed in India. The objective was to compare the percentage price variation and cost ratio of various formulations of oral and parenteral antipsychotic drugs available in the Indian market.Methods: Cost of oral and parenteral antipsychotic drugs available in the Indian market manufactured by different companies, in the same strength, number and dosage form was obtained from http://www.medguideindia.com. The percentage price variation and cost ratio of each formulation was calculated.Results: Among the typical group of antipsychotic drugs, Tab Haloperidol 0.25mg shows maximum price variation of 650% and a cost ratio of 7.5 followed by Tab Trifluoperazine 1mg having a price variation of 555.5% and a cost ratio of 6.55. Among the atypical group of drugs, tab Risperidone 3mg shows a price variation of 2282.35% with a cost ratio of 23.82 followed by Tab Risperidone 4mg with a price variation of 1976.92 % and a cost ratio of 20.76.Conclusions: There is a wide variation between the minimum and maximum cost among the different brands of the same drug in the same formulations. Combined efforts are needed from the regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical companies, physicians and pharmacist towards controlling the prices and attaining maximum economic benefits for the patient.

Pharmacoeconomic analysis of drugs used for peptic ulcer in India

Background: Acid peptic disorders are common medical problems in daily clinical practice leading to a significant economic burden on healthcare expenses. Due to lack of information on comparative drug prices and quality, it becomes difficult for physicians to prescribe the most economical treatment. So the present study was planned to analyse the price variations of various anti-ulcer drugs available in India. Methods: The cost of a particular anti-ulcer drug being manufactured by different companies, in the same dose and dosage forms, was obtained from latest issue of ‘‘current index of medical specialties’’ January to April, 2016. The difference between the maximum and minimum prices of same drug was analysed and percentage variation in the prices was calculated. Results: Overall, the prices of a total of 12 anti-ulcer drugs belonging to four different categories available in 38 different formulations were analysed. Among the proton pump inhibitors, pantoprazole (40 mg; EC tablet) showed the maximum price variation of 500.75%. With regard to H2 blockers, ranitidine (50 mg; injection) showed the maximum price variation of 989.92%. The maximum price variation among various formulations of ulcer protective was seen with sucralfate (1000 mg; tablet) of 166.00% while misoprostol (200µg; tablet) was the only drug present in prostaglandin analogues and it showed a price variability of 14.33%. Conclusions: The average percentage variations of different brands of the same anti-ulcer drugs in same dose and dosage form manufactured in India were very wide. The government and drug manufacturing companies must direct their efforts in reducing the cost of anti-ulcer drugs and thereby minimizing the economic burden on the patients.

Variation of Cost among Anti-cancer Drugs Available in Indian Market.

Although cancer remains a major health problem all over the world, its treatment is limited by affordability of patients in a developing country like India. Information generated from cost analysis studies will be helpful for both the doctors in choosing the correct medicine for their patients and also for policy makers in successfully utilizing the meager resources that are available. The aim of the present observational study was to analyse the price variations of anti-cancer drugs available in India. The cost of a particular anti-cancer drug being manufactured by different companies, in the same dose and dosage form, was obtained from latest issue of "Current Index of Medical Specialties" (CIMS) January-April, 2016. The difference between the maximum and minimum prices of various brands of the same drug was analysed and percentage variation in the prices was calculated. The results of the study were expressed as absolute numbers and percentages. Overall, the price of a total of 23 drugs belonging to 6 different categories available in 52 different formulations were analysed. Among alkylating agents, oxaliplatin (50mg; injection) showed the maximum price variation of 125.02%. In anti-metabolites, methotrexate (2.5mg; tablet) showed the maximum price variation of 75.30%. The maximum price variation among natural products was seen with paclitaxel (260 mg; injection) of 146.98%, among hormonal drugs, was seen with flutamide (250mg; tablet) of 714.24%, among targeted drugs was seen with imatinib mesylate (100mg; film coated tablet) of 5.56% and among supportive drugs, granisetron (1mg; tablet) showed the maximum price variation of 388.68%. The average percentage variations of different brands of the same anti-cancer drug in same dose and dosage form manufactured in India is very wide. The government and drug manufacturing companies must direct their efforts in reducing the cost of anti-cancer drugs and minimizing the economic burden on the patients.

PRM198 - Cost Analysis Study of Oral Anti-Diabetic Drugs Available in Indian Govt Generic (Jan Aushadhi,Jeevandhara ) Drugs and Brand Drugs Market in Rural / Urban Area of Guntur, Andhrapradesh, India

To analyze the cost variation of oral anti-diabetics of different generic drugs sold at Jan Avushadhi and jeevanadhara and Retail pharmacy available brand names of single compound and combination compounds to evaluate the difference in cost , percentage variation of cost. Cost of single and combination compound drugs manufactured by different companies, in the same strength, number and dosage form was obtained from Current Index of Medical Specialties” July-October 2014 and jan avushdhi,jeevandharaa drugs were compared upto February -2015. In Single compound drug usage, among sulfonylurea group of drugs, Glibenclamide (2 mg) shows maximum price variation of 1980%, while Glipizide (10mg) shows variation of 55.61%. In Biguanides & Thizolidinediones groups Of drugs Metformin (1000 mg) show Maximum price variation is 125.37%, Metformin (500 mg) leat variation is 30 % and Piglitazone (30mg) show Maxmum variation 3060.97% and least variation Pioglitazoe (15 mg) is 3275 respectively. . In α-glucosidases inhibitor group of drugs,Miglitol shows maximum price variation of 135.50 % and Minimum variation is 41.93 %. Meglitinides group of drugs. In this group, Rapaglinide (0.5 mg) shows Maximum price variation of 79.25 % and Minimum variation is 60 % respectively. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors (e.g., Sitagliptin), group Sitagliptin (100 mg) shows Maximum price variation of 902.3 %. In combination therapiesGlibenclamide + Metformin (5 mg+ 500 mg) combination shows the maximum variation up to 2400 % and Glipizide + Metformin (2.5mg + 250mg) showed minimum price variation of 28.60% respectively. study has concluded that the cost variation increases when competition between the manufacturing companies and generic companies. cost which company providing less cost and whether these drugs are available janavushadhi or jeevandhara or generic pharmacy shops. So that we can minimize the cost burden on consumers.

Antidepressant drugs: evaluation of price variation

Background: Drugs are available in many different brands and costs of all brands are different. Patients of depression have to take the antidepressant drug for a long duration. If the cost of a drug is high patient has to pay more money for complete treatment. It can result in noncompliance and treatment failure. This study was aimed to evaluate the cost of antidepressant drugs of different classes and to analyze price variation in various antidepressant drugs available in India. Hence, we decided to do the study of price variations of antidepressant drugs. Methods: We had evaluated the cost of a different class of antidepressant drugs. Current Index of Medical Specialties October-December 2014 and Indian Drug Review 2015 issue 1 drug manuals were used to derive the cost of antidepressant drugs. Data about the cost of antidepressant drugs were collected for all the strength and dosage forms. The maximum price and minimum price for the different antidepressant drugs were identified, and calculation for the percentage of price variation was done. Results: Maximum percentage of price variation in different groups were 900% in reboxetine 2 mg (tricyclic antidepressants group), 495.23% in escitalopram 10 mg (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors group), 318.66% in duloxetine 20 mg capsules (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors group), 243.58% in moclobemide 150 mg tablet (reversible monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor), 84.93% in bupropion 150 mg sustained-release tablet (atypical antidepressants group). In combination escitalopram 10 mg + clonazepam 0.5 mg shows maximum price variation of 1101.92%. Conclusion: Price variation was wide for antidepressant drugs. Generic drug prescribing can decrease the expenditure of patient on the drug. Prescribers should be provided updated knowledge of the cost of different drugs. Modifications in pharmaceutical policy are required, and prices of the drug should be controlled in effective way for all the drugs.