ABSTRACT
Background: Most fungal infections require long-term therapy significantly increasing cost of therapy. High medical care cost should be of concern for policy makers and service providers. Hence, a study was planned to analyze cost ratio and percentage (%) cost variations of antifungal drugs available in India. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate cost of different brands of antifungal drugs available in India and to analyze cost ratio and cost variations of different brands of antifungal drugs. Materials and Methods: Maximum and minimum price of each drug was noted in Indian Rupee, using “CIMS” April to July 2021; “Drug Today” April to July 2021 Vol - 1 and 2; and “Indian Drug Review” 2021. Percentage cost variation and cost ratio for individual drugs were compared. Results: Among oral antifungal drugs, Terbinafine 250 mg has highest cost ratio 89.071 and 8807.1% price variation. Griseofulvin 250 mg has lowest cost ratio 1.169 and 16.98% price variation. Among parenteral antifungal drugs, Amphotericin B 50 mg has highest cost ratio 17.088 and 1608.83% price variation. Caspofungin (50 and 70 mg) has least cost ratio and % price variation. Among single drug topical preparations, Clotrimazole 1% powder formulation has highest cost ratio and % price variation 22.48 and 2144.89%, respectively. Ketoconazole 2% solution formulation has least cost ratio and % price variation 1.233 and 23.33%, respectively. Conclusions: Long-term antifungal therapy requires patient compliance and thereby increased adherence to treatment which is achieved by switching to cost-effective regimen and by making Pharmacoeconomics an integral part of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Curriculum.