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Cost of generic topical corticosteroids varies
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The mean average wholesale price and health insurance copayment for generic topical corticosteroids were not proportional to potency, with larger units priced more cost-effectively, according to recently published study results.
Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database, which contains health insurance claims for more than 120 million people in the U.S. Paid prescription claims for topical corticosteroids from 2008 to 2013 were identified, including copayment and average wholesale price (AWP). Prices, adjusted for inflation, are reported in 2013 dollar amounts, with analysis performed from March 5 to June 2, 2015.
“The cost of topical corticosteroids varied across potencies, class (potency) and by branded generic or generic product,” the researchers wrote.
A higher copayment and average wholesale price were reported for claims for branded generic drugs, which were less used less frequently.
Among generic topical corticosteroids, differences in costs were noted. The mean cost of triamcinolone acetonide, 0.01% when dispensed as a 15-g or 30-g tube, was 30% to 40% less than other midpotency medications.
Different sizes of the same medication had differences in cost per gram, including triamcinolone acetonide, 0.01%, which was $0.24 per gram in a 15-g tube compared with $0.02 per gram in a 454-g jar. Copayments were three to five times higher for branded generic products compared with a generic product with same ingredient and unit size.
Among mean average whole prices, 1 lb of triamcinolone acetonide, 0.01%, was $40.73 for a 454-g jar, compared with $324.40 for ten 45-g tubes of betamethasone valerate, 0.1%, despite similar potency, the researchers reported. Fluocinonide acetonide, 0.05%, had a mean average wholesale price of $23.20 per 30 g compared with $42.07 for 30 g of clobestasol propionate, 0.05%, with a similar potency.
“The mean retail price of a generic drug is 75% lower than its brand-name equivalent, and increasing generic drug use saved approximately $1 trillion in health care costs from 1999 to 2010,” the researchers wrote. “However, generic medications are not similarly priced. There are opportunities to reduce costs by prescribing larger units rather than repeatedly refilling smaller tubes.” – By Bruce Thiel
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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