Analysis of Cost Variance for Anti-Epileptic Medications from Various Manufacturers in the Indian Pharmaceutical Market

The present study was conducted to evaluate the cost variation amongst the different brands of anti-epileptic drugs available in Indian pharmaceutical market. Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder and anti-epileptic drugs are to be prescribed for prolonged period. If a costly brand is prescribed, the patients have to pay more money unnecessarily for their treatment. There is a wide difference in the cost of different brands of anti-epileptic drugs available in India. The cost ratio and the percentage cost variation for individual drug brands was calculated. The cost of one bottle in case of 100 ml syrup and 10 tablets/capsules was calculated in case of oral drugs and the cost of one 1 vial or ampoule was noted in case of injectable drugs. At last, the cost ratio and percentage cost variation of various brands was compared. After calculation of cost ratio and percentage cost variation for each brand of anti-epileptic drug tablet clonazepam (2 mg) shows highest cost ratio and percentage cost variation as 10.41 and 941.66, carbamazepine (200 mg SR tablet) shows lowest cost ratio and percentage cost variation as 1.09 and 9.32. The treating physician should be made aware of the cheapest drug available among the various brands so that the patient bears lesser burden of treatment cost. In order to implement the necessary interventions to lessen the financial burden on patients as well as the healthcare system, there is a critical need to raise awareness about this significant price variation among the general public, healthcare providers, payers, government agencies, policy makers, and chemists.