Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

There are wide variations in the cost of different brands of the same generic drugs prescribed. Rational prescribing should also consider the affordability of the medicines particularly for convulsive diseases like epilepsy, which needs treatment for longer period. It is essential to find cost-effective alternative to improve the patient compliance, particularly in developing nations like India.

To tabulate and compare the cost/unit (INR) of various brands of anticonvulsant drugs and to find the range of price variations among different brands of the same generic drugs.

Different brands of antiepileptic drugs from Current Index Medical Specialties [CIMS] were listed and the cost/unit (INR) of each formulation in various available strengths were tabulated. The minimum cost/unit, maximum cost/unit, price difference and percentage price variations were calculated and analysed.

30.90% of the listed formulations had more than 100% price variation. Wide percentage price variations (5.88%-2486.96%) were seen with the first generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The percentage price variation of second generation AEDs (0–168.57%) was less than 200% with all the available dosage forms, but the cost per unit of second generation AEDs were higher when compared to that of the first generation AEDs. Inference: The cost of the brand does not directly imply the quality of the drug always. A comparative analysis of costs of different brands of drugs is essential to create awareness regarding the wide price variations seen among the different manufacturers. It will aid the prescriber to choose the most cost-effective medicine. The costs of newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have to be weighed against their benefits (efficacy, safety and quality of life for the patient).

It is the prescribing physician's responsibility to make an affordable and best choice of drug for the patient based on their clinical needs as well as economic conditions.