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Statewide Price Variation for Generic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Medications
Anup A Shah1, Praveen Kumar2, Ayodele G Ogunmola3
1Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.
Urology
|September 22, 2020
Summary
Big chain pharmacies charge uninsured patients more for generic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) medications than independent pharmacies. However, independent pharmacies show greater regional price variation for these essential BPH drugs.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Pharmaceutical Policy
- Health Disparities Research
Background:
- Medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be costly, disproportionately affecting uninsured and underinsured individuals.
- Understanding drug pricing variations is crucial for improving affordability and access to essential medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze geographic and pharmacy-type variations in the cost of generic BPH medications.
- To enhance drug price transparency and identify factors contributing to health disparities in BPH treatment.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 575 Pennsylvania pharmacies was surveyed for cash prices of common generic BPH medications.
- Data on tamsulosin, finasteride, oxybutynin IR, and oxybutynin XL prices were collected.
- Multivariable quantile regression models were used to assess price variations by pharmacy type and region.
Main Results:
- A response rate of 82% (473 pharmacies) was achieved.
- Big chain pharmacies had significantly higher median cash prices than independent pharmacies for all studied generic BPH medications.
- Regional price variations were observed, particularly pronounced in independent pharmacies.
Conclusions:
- Big chain pharmacies charge uninsured patients substantially more for generic BPH drugs compared to independent pharmacies.
- Independent pharmacies exhibit greater regional price variability, suggesting localized market influences.
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