Vol. 6, Issue 9 (2017)

Author(s):
Rajesh Dupaguntla and Hima BIndu Gujjarlamudi

Abstract:
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is chronic metabolic disorder requiring lifelong treatment. Various drugs are available in market with different brand names and with wide variations in the prices. This study is done to find out the percentage variation of cost among different brands of oral hypoglycemic drugs available in Indian market. Methods: The cost of a particular oral hypoglycemic drug being manufactured by different companies, in the same strength and dosage forms, was referred from ‘‘Indian Drug Today (January - March 2017) ’’. The difference between the maximum and minimum prices of same drug was analyzed and percentage variation in the prices and cost ratio were calculated. Results: In Single drug therapy, among sulfonylurea group of drugs, Glimepiride (1 mg) shows maximum price variation of 892%. The price variation of Metformin (500 mg), Pioglitazone (15 mg) and Vildagliptin were 492%, 486.1% & 1.91% respectively. In α-glucosidase inhibitors Voglibose showed maximum price variation of 151.4 %. Among meglitinides, Regaglinide (0.5mg) showed maximum price variation of 93.1%. In combination therapies, Glimepride + Metformin (1 mg + 500 mg) combination showed the maximum variation of 346 % Conclusion: This study shows a wide variation in the prices of most of the oral hypoglycemic drugs available in India. Physicians have to select cost effective drug reducing the economic burden on population.