Private MD News

Statin prices 400 percent higher in the U.S., study finds

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Many individuals who have received unhealthy cholesterol test results are forced to purchase statin medications to bring their cholesterol back to within normal levels. However, those who purchase these drugs in the U.S. may be paying significantly more than patients in other countries.

A recent study revealed that statin prices were 400 percent higher in the U.S. than the UK in 2005. While some progress may have been made toward reducing this disparity in recent years, the researchers said prices likely remain considerably higher in the U.S.

For the study, researchers from Boston University analyzed information from two large claims databases in both countries. The study examined the records of 280,000 patients in both the U.S. and UK.

While costs were considerably higher in 2005, the researchers pointed out that the recent available in the U.S. of generic versions of statins may have partially closed the disparity. However, the team estimated that costs are still upwards of four times higher in the U.S.

Due to the fact that the cost of prescription medications remains such a major consideration in overall medical expenses, the team said their findings carry a great deal of significance.