Variation of Cost Among Oral Hypoglycaemic Drugs Available in Indian Market in 2020-21

In the absence of comparative information on hypoglycaemic drug prices, it is difficult for physicians to prescribe most economical treatment. Hence, this study is designed to analyse the percentage variation of cost among different brands of oral hypoglycaemic drugs available in Indian market. Study data was collected from the current index of medical specialities of October 2020 to January 2021. The difference between the maximum and minimum costs was calculated. Then cost ratio and percentage of cost variation were calculated for each drug. In single drug therapy Glimepiride 1 mg tablet showed highest and Vildagliptin 50 mg showed lowest cost variation. In two drugs combination therapy Glimepiride+Metformin (2 mg+500 mg) showed highest and Gliclazide+Metformin (40 mg+500 mg) showed lowest cost variation. In three drugs combination Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone (2 mg+500 mg+15 mg) showed highest and Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone (2 mg+500 mg+7.5 mg) showed lowest cost variation. This study showed a wide variation in the prices, cost ratio and in cost variation of oral hypoglycemic drugs.