Reducing the number of formulary theophylline preparations

Cost reduction resulting from decreasing the number of theophylline products on a hospital formulary is reported. A special review subcommittee of the pharmacy and therapeutics (P&T) committee of a 1049-bed hospital was appointed to study tee literature on theophylline preparations. Bids were requested on all theophylline preparations. Bids were requested on all theophylline products. The subcommittee recommended one liquid preparation, one combination product, two sustained-release products, and two rapid-release solid oral theophylline products for inclusion in the formulary. The P&T committee approved the action, and all other oral and rectal theophylline products were deleted. In 1978 (before the product reduction), the hospital purchased 357,551 doses of theophylline at a cost of $27,926.10. In 1979, this cost was reduced to $11.624.39 for 309.069 doses, a savings of over $16,000. Substantial cost savings can be achieved by reducing the number of therapeutically equivalent products and by using teh bid system.