Off Patent Medications & Drug Patent Expiration: Quarterly Drug Update

In this quarter’s report, we give you insight into medications that are going off patent and the difference in costs between the generic and brand.

Each quarter, Mitchell Pharmacy Solutions brings you a drug report to help keep you informed about recent changes or trends in pharmacy and prescribing.

Managing pharmaceutical decisions in a claim can greatly impact the outcome of that claim, from recovery time to costs. Therefore, close monitoring of pharmacy changes and compliance updates is vital. In our previous quarterly update, we took a closer look at the utilization of generic drugs and 'me-too' medications. We continue looking at important areas of pharmacy consideration this quarter by looking at medications going off patent. Although many formularies opt for the prescription of generic over brand medications, those recently going off patent may not be captured immediately. To help you stay informed regarding medications that are going off patent and becoming generically available, here is a brief list of drugs that have recently become available in generic form.

Sildenafil (Viagra®)

Treats erectile dysfunction (ED). This medication is required after certain types of injuries. Cost of Sildenafil is approximately $21/tablet, while Viagra brand name is approximately $97/tablet

Olmesartan (Benicar®)

Anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure) Generic: $46/30 tablets Brand: $222/30 tablets

Abacavir/lamivudine/Zidovudine (Epzicom®)

Anti-retroviral combination drug (treats HIV). This medication may be used short-term after an accidental needle-exposure. Generic: $699/30 tablets Brand: $1867/30 tablets

Metformin Extended Release (Glumetza®)

Treats Type-II diabetes Generic: $1450/60 tablets Brand: $9626/60 tablets

Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra®)

Anti-retroviral combination drug (treats HIV). This medication may be used short-term after an accidental needle-exposure. Generic: $319/60 tablets Brand: $1070/60 tablets

Esomeprazole Delayed Release (Nexium®)

Proton-pump inhibitor (treats heartburn/gastrointestinal reflux disease). Medications like this are typically used in Worker’s Compensation to protect against stomach damage in claimants who are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Generic: $95/30 tablets Brand: $368/30 tablets

Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®)

Anti-depressant (treats major depressive disorder). Anti-depressants are sometimes used after a serious injury where the claimant may become depressed. This type of medication may be used to protect against stomach damage in claimants who are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Generic: $94/30 tablets Brand: $398/30 tablets

Ezetimibe (Zetia®)

Treats high cholesterol Generic: $35/30 tablets Brand: $338/30 tablets

Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate (Zegerid®)

Combination drug with proton pump inhibitor, which treats heartburn/gastrointestinal reflux disease and sodium bicarbonate, which is an antacid. This is available as Zegerid OTC (over-the counter medication). Generic: $309/30 tablets Brand: $3177/30 tablets

Rosuvastatin (Crestor®)

Treats high cholesterol (statin drug) Generic: $22/30 tablets Brand: $174/30 tablets As we work to improve the overall outcomes of workers’ compensation claims, it is important to keep in mind how pharmaceutical decisions can impact a claim. By keeping track of which medications are going off patent, all involved in the claim are working toward better outcomes.