Generic drug use varies widely by state, study reveals
ST. LOUIS, MO, December 6, 2004 -- Generic drug use varies
widely by state, according to a new Express Scripts study that
measured per capita generic drug utilization in 2003, using a
random sample of approximately 3 million pharmacy benefit plan
members age 18 to 64.
The study revealed that Massachusetts had the highest generic
dispensing rate, at 51%, followed by New Mexico and Oregon, with
generic dispensing rates of approximately 50%. Eastern states, such
as New Jersey and New York; and southern states, including Texas,
Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi, used generics to fill fewer
than 43% of all prescriptions. New Jersey used generics for fewer
than 40% of all prescriptions.
Possible explanations for the variations in generic fill rates
include variations in prescribing patterns, state regulations,
differences in disease prevalence and varying use of drug benefit
designs that encourage greater use of generics. A copy of the study
is available at
www.express-scripts.com/ourcompany/news/outcomesresearch/onlinepublications
By the end of 2008, branded pharmaceutical products accounting for more than $38 billion in sales last year are expected to lose patent protection. Taking advantage of generics can result in significant savings for plan sponsors and their members. Express Scripts statistics show that for every 1% increase in generic drug use, prescription benefit plan sponsors save nearly 1% off their cost for drugs in providing the benefit. Express Scripts' overall generic dispensing rate increased to 51% in the third quarter of 2004.
"Generic drugs are the key to managing the growing cost of prescription drugs, making it possible for plan sponsors to continue to provide an attractive prescription benefit for their members," says Brenda Motheral, vice president of Research and Trend Management, Express Scripts. Express Scripts offers plan sponsors numerous programs that promote the cost-saving opportunities associated with generic drugs, saving money for both plan sponsors and their members.
Source: Express Scripts www.express-scripts.com
Posted: December 2004
