Publication:

Cost variation analysis of different brands of oral anti-epileptic drugs available in India

Background Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders, characterized by seizures, loss of consciousness, muscular contraction. Prevalence of epilepsy in India is about 1%. High medical care cost should be cause of concern for policy makers and service providers. Hence, a study was planned to analyse cost ratio and percentage cost variations of oral antiepileptic drugs available in India.

Methods An analytical study with maximum and minimum price of 10 tablets/capsules and syrup of one bottle of available strength of each drug was noted in Indian Rupee, using “Current Index of Medical Specialties” July to October 2020; “Drug Today” July To October 2020 volume-1 and “Indian Drug Review” 2020 volume-26 issue 6. Percentage cost variation and cost ratio for individual drugs was compared.

Results Significant cost variations were found in different brands of same drug. Among established oral antiepileptic drugs, Divalproex sodium 250 mg has highest cost ratio 16.071 and 1507.14% price variation and Clonazepam 0.25 mg with cost ratio 16.005 and 1500.55% price variation. Diazepam 2 mg has lowest cost ratio 1.024 and 2.43% price variation. Among newer oral antiepileptic drugs, Levetiracetam 500 mg has highest cost ratio 66.389 and 6538.93% price variation; least is Oxcarbazepine 450 mg with cost ratio 1.317 and 31.75% price variation.

Conclusions Epilepsy has long course of treatment. Increased adherence to treatment is achieved by switching to cost-effective therapy and by making Pharmacoeconomics an integral part of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Curriculum.