Cost analysis of antiamoebic drugs marketed in India: An observational study

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.