Cytostatic drug prescriptions in outpatient medical treatment

In recent years individually prepared infusions containing cytostatic drugs have induced high costs for the German statutory health insurance funds (GKV) despite a relatively low number of prescriptions. Up to 2009 these infusions were coded on the prescription form and in claims data by using a group code providing no additional information on the active ingredients. A limited number of active agents are prescribed as individually prepared parenteral cytostatic solutions and a total of 10 compounds account for 79.6% of the prescription volume (fluorouracil 27.1%). In January 2010 comprehensive changes in pricing and payment for solutions of cytostatic drugs were introduced by the 15th amendment of the German drug act. These regulatory changes certainly increased transparency; however whether cost savings are achieved without endangering a regional and prompt supply of cytostatic drugs has not yet been demonstrated.