SHM's Clinical Quick Talks-One-Minute Guide to High Value Prescribing

One-Minute Guide to High Value Prescribing

Pdf Summary

Prescribing generic alternatives to brand-name drugs can reduce costs for patients and lead to improved adherence and clinical benefits, according to two studies conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The first study analyzed pharmacy claims for chronic medications and found that patients who were prescribed generic drugs had a 12.6% higher adherence rate compared to those on non-preferred medications. Adherence to preferred branded drugs was also higher, but only by 8%. The second study focused on statins and found that patients on generic therapy had a 77% adherence rate compared to 71% among those on brand-name drugs. Additionally, patients on generic therapy had an 8% lower rate of hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and all-cause mortality compared to those on brand-name therapy. Overall, the studies demonstrated that patients initiated on generic medications had a higher likelihood of achieving adequate adherence and better clinical outcomes. Given that the US healthcare system generates over 4 billion prescriptions annually, the use of generic alternatives can significantly reduce prescription costs for patients. The Affordable Care Act expanded prescription coverage, but increased copayment requirements have offset this benefit. Therefore, considering generic alternatives can help reduce prescription costs for patients while also potentially improving adherence and clinical outcomes.

Keywords

generic alternatives

brand-name drugs

cost reduction

patient adherence

clinical benefits

pharmacy claims

chronic medications

statins

hospitalization

prescription costs