Cost analysis of oral antihypertensive tablet brands in Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract

Hypertension is a major cause of death worldwide, accounting for 12.8% of all deaths and

53.7% of disability-adjusted life years. It affects over 40% of the population and incurs

significant healthcare costs, with over half allocated to prescription drugs. Low adherence to

antihypertensive medication is a significant issue, with pricing disparities across

manufacturers and physicians' lack of knowledge about treatment costs. The expensive generic

medicine is often less effective than its less-priced counterpart. This study aimed to analyze

cost variation among brands of oral antihypertensive formulations available in Pakistan. Data

were entered into Microsoft Excel 2013 after collection calculations were made for cost ratio

and percentage cost variance. Specific medicine costs were evaluated by several companies.

Analysis of price fluctuation % has been done. The % cost variation and cost ratio of different

categories of antihypertensive drugs in the same dosage form and strength that are available in

Pakistan by using the % cost variation and cost ratio formula. This study examined the cost of

eight classifications of antihypertension drugs, including calcium channel blockers, beta

blockers, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin antagonists, Diuretics, Alpha-blockers, Renin

Inhibitors, and Centrally acting drugs. ACE inhibitors had cost differences of 191- 864%.

Angiotensin antagonists demonstrated 75- 700%. The examination of calcium channel

blockers indicated a lowest price of PKR 2.34 per tablet for diltiazem 30 mg and a high price

of PKR 41.50 per tablet for nifedipine 30 mg. Beta-blockers exhibited a price variance from

83.3- 1250%. Centrally acting medications, exemplified by methyldopa, varied from 2.12 to

12.2. Finally, diuretics and alpha-blockers had considerable price variability, with

spironolactone ranging from 4.80 to 24 PKR per tablet and doxazosin from 6 to 78.40 PKR

per tablet. Among the all classes of hypertensive drugs furosemide from the diuretic class was

found the lowest cost variation. Furosemide cost was 0.5 PKR per tablet, cost variation of

50%, and propranolol 40mg from the class of beta blockers found the highest cost variation

which was 1250%. The study compared antihypertensive medication brands in Pakistan,

providing valuable insights into accessibility and cost characteristics. The findings can assist

patients and healthcare professionals in choosing affordable options for hypertension