A Cost-Variation Analysis of Drugs Available in the Indian Market for the Management of Diabetic Nephropathy

Background Diabetic nephropathy is associated with polypharmacy and increased out-of-pocket expenditure for the patients. Multiple brands of each prescribed drug are available in the market. Hence, there is a need to evaluate the cost variation of the available brands of prescribed drugs. Methodology All drugs prescribed to the 282 patients with diabetic nephropathy from our previous cross-sectional observational drug utilization study were included. Data regarding the cost of various brands of the prescribed drugs were obtained from Current Index of Medical Specialities (CIMS) android application version 3.1.2 and Indian online pharmacies. The percentage price variation and cost ratio for these drugs were determined. A correlation analysis was conducted between the number of brands and percentage price variation. Results A high percentage price variation (>1,000%) and cost ratio (>10) was observed for 19 out of 39 drugs that were evaluated. The highest price variations were seen with amlodipine (16,799%), metformin (11,240%), and glimepiride (10,525%). The highest cost ratios were seen with amlodipine (168), metformin (113.40%), and glimepiride (106.25%). There was a negligible correlation between the number of brands and percentage price variation. Conclusions The above findings indicate that drug price variations need to be monitored more strictly. The present study may aid physicians in understanding the degree of price variation among medications used for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, thereby necessitating the selection of a P-drug to increase the affordability of drugs for patients.