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Prescription dermatologic drug prices increased rapidly since 2009

Prescription dermatologic drug prices rose dramatically between 2009 and 2015, with antineoplastic drugs having the greatest increase, according to survey results from national chain pharmacies.

Researchers conducted surveys of four national chain pharmacies in West Palm Beach, Florida, including Costco, CVS, Sam’s Club and Walgreens, in 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2015, requesting price data on commonly prescribed dermatologic drugs.

There were 72 different brand-name medications included in the 2009 survey. Expanded surveys in the other 3 years included modifications for introduction or discontinuation of relevant medications. The subsequent surveys eventually included 120 additional drugs and generic alternatives.

There were 19 brand-name drugs included in all four surveys and selected for price trend analysis, conducted in August 2015. The drugs were grouped into treatment indication groups: acne and rosacea, psoriasis, topical corticosteroids, anti-infectives and antineoplastics.

Prices of all surveyed classes of brand-name drugs increased 401% between 2009 and 2015, with the prices of topical antineoplastic drugs having the greatest mean absolute and percentage increase ($10,926.53; 1240%).

Psoriasis medications had the smallest mean percentage price increase (180%). The smallest mean absolute increase occurred in the prices of drugs in the anti-infective class.

Acne and rosacea medications, Benzaclin (Valeant), Finacea (Bayer Healthcare), Oracea (Galderma) and Retin-A-Micro 0.1% (Valeant) had a mean price increase of 195%, with Retin-A-Micro 0.1% increasing 5-fold during the study period.

Retail prices of seven of the 19 drugs analyzed more than quadrupled in prices during the study period, with most of the price increases happening after 2011.

Topical corticosteroids, including Clobex spray (Galderma), Cloderm cream (Promius Pharma), Cutivate lotion (Fougera Pharmaceuticals), Derma-Smoothe FS oil (Hill Dermaceuticals), and Olux-E foam (Renaissance Pharma), had a mean price increase of 290%.

Generic dermatologic drugs were included in the surveys in 2011 and 2014 and had a mean price increase of 279%.

“The prices of brand-name and generic dermatologic prescription drugs have increased significantly in recent years, with the greatest increases seen in the antineoplastic sector,” the researchers concluded. “Percent increases for multiple, frequently prescribed medications greatly outpaced inflation, national health expenditure growth, and increases in reimbursements for physician services.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.