ABSTRACT
Background: Amebiasis is a common recurring infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by Entamoeba histolytica, affecting 15% of Indian population, related to poor sanitation and socioeconomic condition. No studies have been performed yet on cost analysis of antiamoebic drugs. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze cost variations of different brands of antiamoebic drugs marketed in India. Materials and Methods: It was an observational and analytical study in which maximum and minimum costs in rupees per 10 tablets/capsules of each antiamoebic drug in same strength, manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies in India, were obtained from the Current Index of Medical Specialties (October 2021–January 2022), Drug Today (October 2021–January 2022), and Indian Drug Review (Issue 5, 2021). Cost ratio and % cost variation were calculated for each antiamoebic drug. Results: Metronidazole 200mg had highest cost ratio of 12.1 and 1110.73% cost variation, while Diloxanide furoate 500 mg had lowest cost ratio of 1.69 and 69% cost variation. Among fixed dose combinations, Tinidazole + Norfloxaxin (600 + 400) mg had highest cost ratio of 17.89 and 1689% cost variation, while Metronidazole + Norfloxacin (600 + 400) mg had lowest cost ratio of 1.21 and 21.22% cost variation. Conclusion: Our study showed significant cost variation in different brands of the same antiamoebic drugs. To lessen economic burden and to improve adherence to treatment, it is desirable for physicians to prescribe cheaper brands/generic drugs, to meet the health-care needs of patients. Furthermore, the government should make regulations to decrease cost variation of different brands of same antiamoebic drugs.
ABSTRACT
Background: Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder. As a leading cause of disability worldwide, it affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). There are limited studies assessing the prescription pattern and improvement in HRQoL post-treatment. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the drug use pattern and compare the effects of medications on HRQoL as per Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS). Materials and Methods: A prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted on migraine patients attending neurology OPD at a tertiary care hospital. One hundred and seven patients were recruited by periodic sampling over 6 months. Prescription indicators assessed were number of antimigraine drugs per prescription, frequency of prescribed drugs, prescriptions by generic name, etc. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The HRQoL was assessed after 3 months of medications by telephonic questionnaire. The change was analyzed by Wilcoxon matched pair signed-rank test. Results: Majority patients were in the third (40.2%) and fourth decade (32.7%) with a female preponderance (72.9%). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were commonly prescribed for aborting acute attacks with naproxen (24.1%) followed by diclofenac (2.71%). Prophylactically topiramate (27.51%), amitriptyline (18.6%), and propranolol (3.1%) were prescribed. About 36.43% of drugs were prescribed by generic names. Improvement in HRQoL was reflected by a significantly reduced MIDAS (13.95 ± 5.20 to 11.39 ± 5.07 [P < 0.05]). Conclusion: In our study, there was low generic prescribing. Naproxen was most prescribed for acute migraine and topiramate for prophylaxis. The HRQoL significantly improved after 3 months of antimigraine medications causing lesser disease burden.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 caused immense morbidity and mortality worldwide and was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization. Lack of effective treatments directed researchers to various interventional strategies, such as development of new drugs or vaccines, drug repurposing models, and AYUSH formulations, for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19. Aim and Objectives: The information obtained from registered COVID-19 trials for the year 2020, will help to identify the various aspects for therapeutics and types of study designs used for achieving different objectives, so as to guide researchers for similar future projects. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, observational study was conducted on COVID-19-related clinical trials registered in Clinical Trials Registry of India during calendar year 2020. The details were noted in a predesigned pro forma and evaluated. Results: Of the 946 registered trials, majority were single center (82.76%), interventional (50.7%), randomized (73.1%), open-labeled (61.9%), and prospective in nature (96%). Our study revealed that 40.16% trials used modern medicine while 26.53% used AYUSH formulations. The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic was studied in 121 trials, of which 118 trials showed negative impact on the mental well-being. Conclusion: Our study provides thorough insight about the on-going research in our country, especially about various drug repurposing strategies and government supported AYUSH interventions. This may act as a foundation for future investigators to identify any lacunae in the current studies, helping them to diversify their objectives accordingly, so as to encourage quality research in our country.