Abstract

COMPARISON OF COST ANALYSIS GENERIC VS BRANDED DRUGS OF ANTI EPILEPTIC DRUGS IN A COMMUNITY CARE SETTING

Dr. E. Padhmapriya*, Pushpavalli T., Kavibharathi R., Mugilan S.

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the inter-brand price variations among oral anti-epileptic drugs marketed in India and perform a comparative cost analysis benchmarking median branded price against the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP / JAS) generic alternatives. Methodology: A retrospective, cross-sectional pharmacoeconomic analysis was conducted targeting 17 commonly prescribed anti-epileptic agents across multiple strengths and dosage forms (tablets and capsules). Maximum retail prices (MRP) of branded formulations were gathered using standard pharmaceutical indices like the Current Index of Medical Specialties (CIMS) and Drug Today. Generic prices were compiled from the official Jan Aushadhi Scheme (JAS) price registry. Pharmacoeconomic metrics including the Price Ratio and Percentage Cost Variation were mathematically computed for each drug molecule. Results: Extreme disparities were observed in inter-brand pricing. The highest inter-brand percentage cost variation among branded agents was documented for Diazepam 10mg tablets (526.06%), followed by Lorazepam 2mg tablets (263.96%), Clonazepam 2mg tablets (255.90%), and Gabapentin 300mg capsules (253.8%). Conversely, the lowest inter-brand variation was seen in Lamotrigine 25mg tablets (2.56%). In the generic benchmarking analysis, branded formulations were significantly costlier than Jan Aushadhi alternatives, with the highest generic-tobrand price variation captured in Gabapentin 100mg tablets (484.41%), followed closely by Lamotrigine 25mg dispersible tablets (400%) and Lorazepam 1mg tablets (323.07%). Conclusion: The Indian pharmaceutical market exhibits a profound, highly volatile cost disparity among anti-epileptic medications. Transitioning from high-cost branded formulations to Jan Aushadhi generic options can remarkably lower the out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure, minimize treatment defaults and improve therapeutic adherence in epileptic individuals.

Keywords: Pharmacoeconomics, Cost Variation Analysis, Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Jan Aushadhi, Branded vs Generic, Healthcare Affordability.