Background:
Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) are well known respiratory
diseases affecting millions of peoples in India. In the market, various branded generics, as well as generic drugs, are
available for their treatment and how much cost will be saved by utilizing generic medicine is still unclear among
physicians. Thus, the main aim of the current investigation was to perform cost-minimization analysis of generic versus
branded generic (high and low expensive) drugs and branded generic (high expensive) versus branded generic (least
expensive) used in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine of Era Medical University, Lucknow for the treatment of
asthma and COPD.
Methodology:
The current index of medical stores (CIMS) was referred for the cost of branded drugs whereas the cost of
generic drugs was taken from Jan Aushadi scheme of India 2016. The percentage of cost variation particularly to Asthma
and COPD regimens on substituting available generic drugs was calculated using standard formula and costs were
presented in Indian Rupees (as of 2019).
Results:
The maximum cost variation was found between the respules budesonide high expensive branded generic versus
least expensive branded generic drugs and generic versus high expensive branded generic. In combination, the maximum
cost variation was observed in the montelukast and levocetirizine combination.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study inferred that substituting generic antiasthmatics and COPD drugs can bring
potential cost savings in patients.
Heme oxygenase-1 and carbon monoxide in pulmonary medicine