Medical resource consumption of moderate/severe psoriasis in a private health organization of Buenos Aires, Argentina,

Abstract Background: Despite the economic burden of psoriasis for patients and societies, scant information exists regarding the impact and burden of the disease in Argentina. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate medical resource consumption and direct health care costs for patients with moderate/severe psoriasis in Buenos Aires, Argentina from the perspective of the payer. Methods: Adults with moderate/severe psoriasis (severity was defined as receiving systemic treatment), during January 2010-January 2014, aged 18 years and older, members of the Italian Hospital Medical Care Program with at least 18 months of follow-up were included. All data on hospitalizations, drug prescription, outpatient episodes, consultations, and investigations/tests in the 12 months before inclusion in the study were considered for the estimation of medical resource consumption and direct health care costs. First-quarter 2018 costs were obtained from the IHMCP and converted into US dollars (using the January 2018 exchange rate). Results: A total of 791 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 34 ± 12 years. Almost 65% of the patients had a dermatologist as their usual source of care, 43% had internists, and 14% had rheumatologists. The average yearly direct cost was US$ 5326 (95% CI: 4125-7896) per patient per year. Study limitation: The single center design and the retrospective nature are the main limitations. Conclusion: This is the first Argentine study that evaluated the costs of moderate/severe psoriasis by taking into consideration the direct medical costs of the disease.

The Economic Burden of Selected Analgesic Drugs Prescription by Dentists in Slovakia

Objective: To analyse economic burden of selected analgesic drugs prescription by dentists in Slovakia over a 24-month period. Material and Methods: In this economic burden study, the data were provided from the largest public health insurance company in Slovakia. It was analysed 23,256 prescriptions of selected analgesic drugs (Acetylsalicylic Acid, Diclofenac, Nimesulide, Tramadol and Metamizole Sodium) by dentists in Slovakia. Results: The highest analgesics prescription by dentists was found in Diclofenac in 2016 with 11.2% prescription increase in 2017. The significant decrease of analgesic drug prescription by dentists in 2017 was observed in Tramadol (-29.9%). The economic burden of selected analgesic drugs by patients were €33,926 in 2017 with 21.3% significant decrease of average percentage differences (APD) in Tramadol and 84.6% significant increase of APD in Metamizole sodium in 2017. Patients participated 65.5% share in payment of selected analgesic drugs and Health Insurance Company participated only 34.5% share in payment of selected analgesic drugs in 2017. It was found increase of percentage analgesic drugs prescription in Diclofenac and Nimesulide and decrease of percentage drug prescription in Metamizole sodium from 1/2016 to 12/2017. Conclusion: Economic burden on analgesic drugs prescribed by dentist was low per Slovak inhabitant in calculated. Diclofenac was most frequent prescribed analgesic drug with the highest economic burden. We recommend prescribing cheaper analgesic drugs with a lower economic burden and with the same effect.

Patient safety and the value of pharmaceutical intervention in a cancer hospital / Segurança do paciente e o valor da intervenção farmacêutica em um hospital oncológico

ABSTRACT Objective To demonstrate economic impact of pharmaceutical evaluation in detection and prevention of errors in antineoplastic prescriptions. Methods This was an observational and retrospective study performed in a cancer hospital. From July to August 2016 pharmacists checked prescriptions of antineoplastic and adjuvant drugs. Drug-related problems observed were classified and analyzed concerning drug, pharmaceutical intervention, acceptability and characteristic of the error. In case of problem related to dose, we calculated a deviation percentage related with correct dose and value spent or saved. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with frequency and percentage. Results A total of 6,104 prescriptions and 12,128 medications were evaluated. Drug-related problems were identified in 274 (4.5%) prescriptions. Most of them was due to lack of information (n=117; 36.1%). Problems associated with dose accounted for 32.1% (n=98) of the total. In 13 cases (13.3%) ranging of prescribed dose was 50% greater than the correct dose. Intercepted drug-related problems provided savings of R$54.081,01 and expenses of R$20.863,36, therefore resulting in a positive balance of R$33.217,65. Each intervention promoted saving of R$126,78 with an acceptance rate of 98%. Main pharmaceutical interventions were information inclusion (n=117; 36.1%) and dose change (n=97; 29.9%). All errors were classified as error with no harm. Conclusion Simple actions such as prescription checking are able to identify and prevent drug-related problems, avoid financial losses and add immeasurable value to patient safety.

RESUMO Objetivo Demonstrar o impacto econômico da avaliação farmacêutica na detecção e na prevenção de erros em prescrições de antineoplásicos. Métodos Estudo observacional e retrospectivo realizado em um hospital oncológico. De julho a agosto de 2016, prescrições contendo antineoplásicos e fármacos adjuvantes ao tratamento foram avaliadas por farmacêuticos. Os problemas detectados relacionados a medicamentos foram classificados e analisados quanto ao medicamento, à intervenção farmacêutica, à aceitabilidade e à caracterização do erro. Quando o problema envolveu dose, calcularam-se a percentagem de desvio em relação à dose correta e o valor gasto ou economizado. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva com aplicação de frequência e percentual. Resultados Foram avaliadas 6.104 prescrições e 12.128 medicamentos. Identificaram-se problemas relacionados a medicamentos em 274 (4,5%) prescrições, sendo a maioria causado por falta de informações (n=117; 36,1%). Quando reunidos, os problemas envolvendo dose representaram 32,1% (n=98) do total. Em 13 casos (13,3%), a variação da dose prescrita em relação à correta foi maior do que 50%. Os problemas relacionados a medicamentos interceptados representaram economia de R$54.081,01 e gastos de R$20.863,36, resultando em saldo positivo de R$33.217,65. Cada intervenção promoveu economia de R$126,78 com aceitabilidade de 98%. As principais intervenções foram inclusão de informações (n=117; 36,1%) e alteração de dose (n=97; 29,9%). Todos os erros foram considerados sem dano. Conclusão Ações simples de serem implantadas, como análise de prescrições, são capazes de identificar e prevenir problemas relacionados a medicamentos, evitar perdas financeiras e agregar imensurável valor na segurança do paciente.

Mobile health application to assist doctors in antibiotic prescription - an approach for antibiotic stewardship

ABSTRACT Background: Technologies applied to mobile devices can be an important strategy in antibiotic stewardship programs. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a decision-making application on antibiotic prescription. Methods: This was an observational, analytical and longitudinal study on the implementation of an antimicrobial guide for mobile application. This study analyzed the period of 12 months before and 12 months after the app implementation at a university hospital based on local epidemiology, avoiding high cost drugs and reducing the potential for drug resistance including carbapenem. Antimicrobials consumption was evaluated in Daily Defined Dose/1000 patients-day and direct expenses converted into USD. Results: The monthly average consumption of aminoglycosides and cefepime had a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05), while the consumption of piperacillin/tazobactam and meropenem was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The sensitivity to meropenem as well as to polymyxin increased after the app implementation. A decrease in sensitivity to cefepime was observed after introduction of this antibiotic as a substitute of piperacillin/tazobactam for treating intra-hospital infections.There was a net saving of USD 296,485.90 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: An antibiotic protocol in the app can help antibiotic stewardship reducing cost, changing the microbiological profile and antimicrobial consumption.

Factors influencing the preference for purchasing generic drugs in a Southern Brazilian city

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with the preference for purchasing generic drugs in a medium-sized municipality in Southern Brazil. METHODS We have analyzed data from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2012 with a sample of 2,856 adults (≥ 20 years old). The preference for purchasing generic drugs was the main outcome. The explanatory variables were the demographic and socioeconomic variables. Statistical analyses included Poisson regressions. RESULTS The preference for purchasing generic drugs was 63.2% (95%CI 61.4-64.9). The variables correlated with this preference in the fully adjusted models were: male (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.08; 95%CI 1.03-1.14), age of 20-39 years (PR = 1.10; 95%CI 1.02-1.20), low socioeconomic status (PR = 1.15; 95%CI 1.03-1.28), and good knowledge about generic drugs (PR= 4.66; 95%CI 2.89-7.52). Among those who preferred to purchase generic drugs, 55.1% have reported accepting to replace the prescribed drug (if not a generic) with the equivalent generic drug. Another correlate of the preference for purchasing generic drugs was because individuals consider their quality equivalent to reference medicines (PR = 2.15; 95%CI 1.93-2.41). CONCLUSIONS Knowledge about generic drugs was the main correlate of the preference for purchasing generic drugs. The greater the knowledge or positive perception about generic drugs, the greater is the preference to purchase them. Therefore, educational campaigns for healthcare professionals and consumers appear to be the best strategy for expanding the use of generic drugs in Brazil.

Prescripción inapropiada en adultos mayores hospitalizados / Inappropriate prescription in elderly inpatients

Una de las causas prevenibles de los eventos adversos a medicamentos (EAM) en la población adulta mayor es la prescripción inapropiada, (PIM), es decir aquella prescripción donde los riesgos superan los beneficios clínicos. Se propone conocer la incidencia de PIM con los criterios de Beers, los Screening tool of older person´s prescriptions (STOPP), la omisión de prescripción apropiada (PPO) con Screening tool to alert doctors to right treatment (START) y los costos medios de hospitalización. Es un estudio de incidencia de una muestra de pacientes > 64 años, internados en el periodo enero-julio 2014 en un hospital universitario. Se halló una incidencia de PIM de 61.4% con los criterios de Beers, 65.4% con STOPP y 27.6% de PPO con START. Se calculó una tasa de EAM de 15.2 EAM/100 admisiones y 18.6 EAM/1000 días paciente. El OR de EAM con PIM según Beers y STOPP fue 1.49 (IC95% 1.68-4.66) y 1.17 (IC95% 0.62-2.24) respectivamente. El costo de hospitalización en pacientes con EAM fue mayor que sin EAM (p = 0.020). Los resultados de PIM son similares a la mayoría de los estudios publicados, aunque levemente mayores para Beers y STOPP y menores para START. La tasa de EAM es inferior a la encontrada por Kanaan (18.7% vs. 15.2%). Hay una contribución de PIM a la aparición de EAM.

One of the causes of preventable adverse drug events (EAM) in the older adult population is the inappropriate prescription (PIM), i.e. that prescription where risks outweigh clinical benefits. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of PIM with Beers criteria and Screening Tool of older person´s prescriptions (STOPP), Potentially Prescribing Omissions (PPO) with Screening Tool to alert doctors to Right Treatments (START), and the average costs of hospitalization. This is an incidence study on a sample of patients over 64 years hospitalized, from January to July 2014 at a university hospital. According to Beers criteria, PIM incidence was 61.4%, 65.4% with STOPP and 27.6% PPO with START. The EAM rate calculated was 15.2/100 admissions and 18.6 EAM / 1000 patient days. The OR of EAM with PIM according to Beers and STOPP was 1.49 (IC95% 1.68-4.66) and 1.17 (IC95% 0.62-2.24) respectively. The average cost of hospitalization in patients with EAM were higher than without EAM (p = 0.020). PIM results are in line with most of the studies cited, but slightly higher for Beers and STOPP and lower for START, and the rate of EAM is lower than the data found by Kanaan (18.7% vs. 15.2%). PIM contributes to the appearance of EAM. The costs of hospitalizations with EAM are higher than those without EAM, achieving level of significance.

Reverse Auction: A Potential Strategy for Reduction of Pharmacological Therapy Cost / Pregão: Estratégia para Redução do Custo da Terapia Farmacológica em Insuficiência Cardíaca e Transplante Cardíaco

Background:Polypharmacy is a significant economic burden.Objective:We tested whether using reverse auction (RA) as compared with commercial pharmacy (CP) to purchase medicine results in lower pharmaceutical costs for heart failure (HF) and heart transplantation (HT) outpatients.Methods:We compared the costs via RA versus CP in 808 HF and 147 HT patients followed from 2009 through 2011, and evaluated the influence of clinical and demographic variables on cost.Results:The monthly cost per patient for HF drugs acquired via RA was $10.15 (IQ 3.51-40.22) versus $161.76 (IQ 86.05‑340.15) via CP; for HT, those costs were $393.08 (IQ 124.74-774.76) and $1,207.70 (IQ 604.48-2,499.97), respectively.Conclusion:RA may reduce the cost of prescription drugs for HF and HT, potentially making HF treatment more accessible. Clinical characteristics can influence the cost and benefits of RA. RA may be a new health policy strategy to reduce costs of prescribed medications for HF and HT patients, reducing the economic burden of treatment.

Fundamento:A polifarmácia tem um significativo peso econômico.Objetivo:Testar se o uso de pregão em comparação ao de farmácias comerciais (FC) para a compra de medicamentos reduz o custo do tratamento de pacientes ambulatoriais de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e transplante cardíaco (TC).Métodos:Comparação dos custos do tratamento através de pregão versus FC em pacientes de IC (808) e TC (147) acompanhados de 2009 a 2011, avaliando-se a influência de variáveis clínicas e demográficas no custo.Resultados:Os custos mensais por paciente para medicamentos de IC adquiridos através de pregão e através de FC foram $10,15 (IQ 3,51-40,22) e $161,76 (IQ 86,05-340,15), respectivamente. Para TC, aqueles custos foram $393,08 (IQ 124,74-774,76) e $1.207,70 (IQ 604,48-2.499,97), respectivamente.Conclusão:O pregão pode reduzir o custo dos medicamentos prescritos para IC e TC, podendo tornar o tratamento de IC mais acessível. As características clínicas podem influenciar o custo e os benefícios do pregão, que pode ser uma nova estratégia de política de saúde para baixar os custos dos medicamentos prescritos para IC e TC, diminuindo o peso econômico do tratamento. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2015; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Prescription, dispensation and marketing patterns of methylphenidate / Padrões de prescrição, dispensação e comercialização de metilfenidato

OBJECTIVE To analyze the patterns and legal requirements of methylphenidate consumption. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of the data from prescription notification forms and balance lists of drugs sales – psychoactive and others – subject to special control in the fifth largest city of Brazil, in 2006. We determined the defined and prescribed daily doses, the average prescription and dispensation periods, and the regional sales distribution in the municipality. In addition, we estimated the costs of drug acquisition and analyzed the individual drug consumption profile using the Lorenz curve. RESULTS The balance lists data covered all notified sales of the drug while data from prescription notification forms covered 50.6% of the pharmacies that sold it, including those with the highest sales volumes. Total methylphenidate consumption was 0.37 DDD/1,000 inhabitants/day. Sales were concentrated in more developed areas, and regular-release tablets were the most commonly prescribed pharmaceutical formulation. In some regions of the city, approximately 20.0% of the prescriptions and dispensation exceeded 30 mg/day and 30 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Methylphenidate was widely consumed in the municipality and mainly in the most developed areas. Of note, the consumption of formulations with the higher abuse risk was the most predominant. Both its prescription and dispensation contrasted with current pharmacotherapeutic recommendations and legal requirements. Therefore, the commercialization of methylphenidate should be monitored more closely, and its use in the treatment of behavioral changes of psychological disorders needs to be discussed in detail, in line with the concepts of the quality use of medicines. .

OBJETIVO Analisar padrões e requisitos legais do consumo de metilfenidato. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal realizado em Belo Horizonte, MG, em 2006. Foram analisados dados de notificações de receitas de metilfenidato e de balanços de vendas de medicamentos – psicoativos e outros – sujeitos a controle especial. Determinou-se a dose diária definida, a dose diária prescrita, o período médio de prescrição e de dispensação, bem como a distribuição regional das vendas desse medicamento no município. Foram estimados, ainda, os gastos com a aquisição do medicamento e analisado o perfil de consumo individual do fármaco por meio da Curva de Lorenz. RESULTADOS Os dados dos balanços mensais de comercialização de psicotrópicos cobriram toda a comercialização notificada do fármaco, enquanto aqueles coletados nas notificações de receita cobriram 50,6% das farmácias que o comercializaram, incluindo aquelas de maior volume de venda. O consumo de metilfenidato foi 0,37 DDD/1.000 habitantes/dia. As vendas concentraram-se em áreas mais desenvolvidas e as formulações farmacêuticas de liberação não controlada foram as mais prescritas. A prescrição e a dispensação com dosagens > 30 mg/dia e período de tratamento > 30 dias apresentaram valores em torno de 20,0% em algumas regiões da cidade. CONCLUSÕES O consumo de metilfenidato apresentou-se elevado no município, maior em áreas mais favorecidas economicamente e predominando o consumo de formulações com maior risco de abuso. Tanto a prescrição quanto a dispensação apresentaram características não compatíveis com as recomendações farmacoterapêuticas e determinações legais. O controle de venda do fármaco ...

comparison of generic and originator brand drug prices between Jordan and the United Kingdom

When a pharmaceutical patent expires, generic companies may enter the market and start selling copies of the original drug. As generic contain exactly the same active ingredient, they are certified to be perfect substitutes to the originator branded drugs. In competitive markets, entry of generics would trigger fierce price competition, hence decreasing the monopoly enjoyed by the original patent holder. The study aims at comparing the retail prices of generics and originator brand for five drugs between Jordan and the United Kingdom and to investigate the relation between the number of generics available, retail price of originator and generic [s] and the effect of time in the market on these prices. Prices of originators and generics and the number of generics available in each market were obtained from the Jordanian Food and Drug Administration, Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, British National Formulary and Chemist and Druggist generics list. The prices were converted to British Pounds expressed per one dose unit. All data were tabulated in spreadsheets; prices were compared between the two countries at different preset times. The generics of all drugs investigated appeared in the Jordanian market before the patent expiry of their originator worldwide due to lack of patency regulations in Jordan at the launch time of drugs under investigation [before 2004]. Unlike the UK, the prices of originator drugs in Jordan did not change when the first generic was introduced to the market. The price of generic drugs has dropped dramatically in the UK at the time of the first generic launch approximately by 90% compared to 15% in Jordan. There was no apparent correlation between the number of generics available or the number of years of the first generic being in the market and the prices of the drugs investigated in both countries. The current prices of all investigated drugs in Jordan are higher than the UK particularly for the generics. Although the income is much lower per capita in Jordan, generic drugs are more expensive than the equivalent prices of the same drugs in the UK

Dispensación de antibióticos de uso ambulatorio en una población colombiana / Dispensing antibiotics to outpatients in a Colombian population

Objetivo La utilización de antibióticos ha sido objeto de abuso y se relaciona con el desarrollo de grave resistencia bacteriana.Analizar la dispensación de antibióticos de uso sistémico a nivel ambulatorio en una población colombiana entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2006 y la valoración de su costo económico. Métodos Estudio observacional descriptivo sobre utilización de antibióticos a partir de prescripciones dispensadas a la totalidad de usuarios que hayan recibido algún antibiótico en 10 ciudades colombianas. Se determinó dosis definida por 1 000 habitantes y día y el costo por 1 000 habitantes y día. Se analizaron las asociaciones de antibióticos empleadas comúnmente. Resultados La dosis diaria definida fue de 1,58 por 1 000 habitantes y día. Los antibióticos más dispensados fueron las penicilinas (amoxicilina dicloxacilina), seguidos de cefalosporinas de primera generación y sulfonamidas. El uso de antibióticos en presentación inyectable fue del 10,4 por ciento y 9,3 por ciento para los años 2005 y 2006 respectivamente. En 11,0 por ciento de los casos se empleó una asociación de antibióticos. El costo total de dispensación de antibióticos fue de $ 4 356 294 644 pesos (US $ 1 708 350) y el coste por mil habitantes y día de $ 3 114 pesos (US $ 1,13) en 2005 y de $ 2 564 pesos (US $ 1,00) en 2006. Discusión Las dosis diarias definidas por mil habitantes y día y el costo de los antibióticos por mil habitantes y día son menores a los reportados en otros países.

Objectives Analysing how systemic antibiotic agents were dispensed to outpatients in a Colombian population between January 2005 and December 2006 and assessing their economic cost as antibiotic use and abuse have been related to serious bacterial resistance. Methods This was a descriptive observational study of antibiotic drug use; a database was compiled from medication usage records maintained by dispensing pharmacies in 10 Colombian cities regarding the total of users who had received some type of antibiotic. The defined daily dose (DDD) and cost per 1,000 inhabitants/day were assessed. The commonly used antibiotic associations were analysed. Results DDD was 1.58 per 1,000 inhabitants per day. The antibiotics most frequently prescribed were penicillin (amoxiciline; dicloxaciline), followed by first-generation cephalosporines and sulphonamides. Injectable antibiotic use was 10.4 percent in 2005 and 9.3 percent in 2006; an association of anti-bacterial agents was used for 11 percent of the patients. Total antibiotic dispensation cost in 2005 was US$ 1,708,350 and cost per 1,000 inhabitants per day was US$ 1.13 in 2005 and US$ 1 in 2006. Conclusions DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day and cost per inhabitant per day was low compared to other countries.

Cost of ocular medications at Priest Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost of ocular medications, both in and out of the national drug lists (NDL) in the year 2004 used for priests and novices of Priest Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study was retrospective and reviewed the prescriptions for out and in patients who received the treatment at Priest Hospital. 4,508 prescriptions were prescribed between October 2006 and March 2007 evaluated. Comparison of the cost of medications prescribed for each disease category was performed. RESULTS: The total of 331 types of drugs was prescribed. The total cost of medications use was 2,292,935 Baht. This included drugs in the NDL in the year 2004 which cost 813,238 (35.47%) Baht and 1,479,697 (64.53%) Baht of drugs not on the NDL. Item D was found to have maximum cost (40.11%), followed by Item A (29.23%), Item C (22.10%), and Item B (8.56%), respectively. Regarding all medications used at Priest Hospital, eye medications, cost most followed by cardiovascular and central nervous system medications. The eye medication that cost the most was for glaucoma (73.09%), followed by corticosteroid and other anti-inflammatory preparations (12.95%) and ocular lubricants and astringents (6.49%). CONCLUSION: Ocular medications cost are the most expensive when compared to other medications both on and outside the NDL. Among the ocular medication prescribed, glaucoma medication was the most expensive.

Quantificação do desperdício de medicamentos na prática clínica / Quantifying the drug waste in clinical practice

Objetivo: Analisar medicamentos, incluindo forma de apresentação e preço, visando adequar o produto comercializado à prática de prescrição médica e, conseqüentemente, reduzir gastos governamentais e pessoais.Métodos: Foi realizado um levantamento de drogas prescritas clinicamente incluindo nimesulida, paracetamol+ fosfato de codeína, cefalexina, amoxicilina, ciprofloxacino, omeprazol, loratadina e haloperidol. Foram relacionados o princípio ativo, a apresentação, a indicação terapêutica, a posologia, o tratamento administradoe os desperdícios financeiro e medicamentoso. A análise de custo dos medicamentos foi realizada comparando-se medicamentos genéricos com os de referência. Resultados: Nimesulida 100mg mostrou variação de preço sem torno de 60% em relação ao Nisulid®. Para cefalexina 500mg o custo variou de 37,5 a 62,2% comparado aoKeflex®. Amoxicilina 500mg apresentou variação de 36,5 a 58% do custo do Amoxil®. Para ciprofloxacino500mg o custo foi de 31 a 58,3% do valor do Cipro®. As variações para omeprazol 20mg foram de 52,3 e 67,1%do valor do Peprazol®. Loratadina 10mg variou seu preço de 57,2 a 65% do Claritin®. A apresentação denimesulida, paracetamol + fosfato de codeína, omeprazol, loratadina e haloperidol mostrou-se em desajusteà prescrição médica para as doenças ora associadas, refletindo em desperdício de dois a oito comprimidos evariação do prejuízo de R$ 0,32 a R$ 13,76. Conclusões: A apresentação da maioria dos medicamentosindicados no tratamento de doenças freqüentes na população está em desajuste com a prescrição médica, refletindo em desperdícios medicamentoso e financeiro. Isso confirma a necessidade da elaboração de estratégia para conscientização de indústrias, instituições e profissionais de saúde também na economia terapêutica medicamentosa.

The economic burden of prescription drug use among elderly patients in Ponce, Puerto Rico

OBJECTIVE: To examine the economic impact of prescription drug use on the personal income of elderly individuals in Ponce, Puerto Rico. METHODS: One-hundred elderly individuals who attend five care centers were interviewed using a four-page structured questionnaire. The interview collected information about the source and amount of income of participants, the type of insurance coverage for prescription drugs, the amount of expenditures for prescription drugs that are paid out-of-pocket and the barriers they face to use or obtain prescription drugs. RESULTS: Participants were mostly female (69) and the average age was 77 years. The average monthly income reported was 476 dollars, 79of which was derived from Social Security. The average monthly expenditure was 364.00 dollars of which 117.00 dollars (32) was spent on health related expenditures: 70.00 dollars (19) on prescription drugs, 31.00 dollars (8) on health insurance premiums, 10.00 dollars (3) on medical expenditures not related to prescription drugs, and 6.00 dollars (2) on over-the-counter drugs. The great majority reported having health insurance but one-third pay out-of-pocket for their prescription drugs. Nearly two-thirds expressed they have experienced problems to obtain or use medications in the past six months. Thirty-eight percent reported that the problem was that the cost of medications was too high. CONCLUSION: In spite of insurance coverage, the cost of prescription drugs places a substantial economic burden on elderly individuals. On average, prescription drug expenditures comprise nearly 20of the personal expenditures of respondents, second only to groceries. This accounts for 15of their personal income. The economic burden of prescription drugs on the elderly may affect access to needed drugs and may adversely impact health outcomes.

Prescription pattern for treatment of hemorrhoids under the universal coverage policy of Thailand.

The Universal Coverage Policy (UCP) or "30 Baht Scheme" was launched in Thailand in 2001. The policy caused a cutback in the budgets of all public hospitals and health service centers. Traditional medicine was then viewed as an alternative to save costs. This study examines whether this had any influence on hemorrhoid treatment prescription patterns, ratio of traditional/modern medicine, or the cost of hemorrhoid treatment after the UCP was implemented at a community hospital. The traditional medicine prescribed was Petch Sang Kart and the modern alternative was Proctosedyl. All hemorrhoid prescriptions at a community hospital from October 2000 to January 2003 were surveyed. Segmented Regression Analysis was applied to evaluate prescription trends, the ratios between the types of medicine, and the hemorrhoid treatment cost. A total of 256 prescriptions were analyzed. The average number of traditional medicine prescriptions per month were more than modern medicine (41 versus 16). During the study period, the trend of modern medicine use and the treatment cost was decreased (p < 0.01). The ratio of traditional/modern medicine increased 0.2 times (p = 0.02).