Cost variation study of various brands of drugs used in COVID-19 patients in India: A Pharmacoeconomic study
Keywords:
COVID-19, Cost ratio, pharmacoeconomicsAbstract
Background: For drugs approved for COVID-19 disease, physicians cannot be expected to know exact cost of each drug available in market, and are sold under different brands which put physicians in difficult state to choose the best drug for given patient. The present study was planned to get idea about costs of various brands of COVID-19 drugs, intending effective resource utilization.
Objectives: To find out and compare cost of drugs used in COVID-19 disease in the same dose and dosage forms being manufactured by different companies, to evaluate percentage variation of cost and cost ratio.
Methods: An observational, analytical study. Price in INR* (Indian National Rupees) of drugs used in COVID-19 manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies in India will be obtained from CIMS, NPPA website for cost variation analysis and cost ratio. The data obtained were analysed using Microsoft Excel software.
Results: Wide variations in the prices of different brands of the same drugs existed. Highest% cost variation in CIMS was observed for Vitamin -C (3767.6%), the lowest for Hydroxychloroquine 400mg (34.9%). As per NPPA, the highest % cost variation was observed for Ivermectin 12mg (4585.53%) and lowest for HCQs 200mg (37.22%). Cost ratio of drugs -CIMS: highest for Vitamin C (38.67) and lowest for HCQs 400mg (1.34), -NPPA: highest for Ivermectin 12mg (46.85) and lowest for Zinc 50mg (1.44).
Conclusion: Government should look into pricing control policy of drugs manufactured by various companies in India, so that it remains quality assured and affordable. Doctors must choose cost effective medicines based on country`s health situation.
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