Variation in cash price of the generic medications most prescribed by dermatologists in pharmacies across the United States.

BACKGROUND

The United States has the highest drug costs in the world. Consumers complain about large price differences at pharmacies on generic drugs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate variation in cash prices of generic medications most prescribed in dermatology across different drugstores and states in United States.

METHOD

The 11 generic drugs most prescribed by dermatologists according to National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were assessed. By using Google, the most common used pharmacies in United States were listed, which are located at a random selection of six states. By calling the first available number of each pharmacy in the six states and asking about the generic cash price of the smallest stock size and the most prescribed type, the data were collected.

RESULTS

Drug prices varied; the median cumulative price of the 11 medications was highest at Rite Aid ($1226) and lowest at Walmart ($795.34) with 35% difference. The prices at CVS differed by 20% across different states; however, the prices at Walmart, Rite Aid and Walgreens were consistent. New York has the highest and Iowa the lowest prices, especially at CVS, ($1160.79) versus ($931.32).

CONCLUSION

There are varieties in the prices for the generic medications in different pharmacies and States.