Brand name glaucoma medication prices increased 59% in last 7 years

Over the past 7 years, brand name glaucoma medication prices have increased despite ophthalmologists prescribing generics more often, according to a study.

From 2013 to 2019, brand name medication prices increased by 59%. Comparatively, generic medications decreased by 22%. Brand name drugs were in some cases up to 162 times more expensive than their generic equivalents. Compared to 2013, providers in 2017 prescribed 25% less brand name medications.

“A change in government policy, allowing Medicare medication prices negotiations, could greatly reduce health expenditure on glaucoma treatment,” the authors concluded.

Reference

Barayev E, Geffen N, Nahum Y, et al. Changes in prices and eye-care providers prescribing patterns of glaucoma medications in the USA between 2013 and 2019. J Glaucoma. 2020; DOI: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000001728. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33137023.