Ellen Campbell -Grizzle
CONSUMERS ALL OVER the world are asking questions related to medication price. Concern is greatest among patients who need life-saving medication and cannot afford them. According to the World Health Organisation, between 1996 and 1997, poorer countries spent a greater percentage on life-saving medications, in some cases up to 66 per cent of healthcare expenditure, on medicines. This is in marked contrast with figures observed for affluent countries which spent between seven and 20 per cent of healthcare expenditure on medicines.
Reliance on medication to treat illnesses is increasing as an alternative to hospitalisation. However, there is growing concern about the spiralling cost of newer products. These newer drugs may represent improvements over older alternatives and might be the only available option.
ITEMS AFFECTING COST
Consumers should be aware of the basket of items that affect the cost of their medication. Six important points include:
Research and development
Innovators recoup the large price tag attached to this long and expensive period from the price that you pay for your medication.
Marketing and sales
Marketing a drug is important to its introduction and use in the health-care system. Companies employ trained personnel to update the health team about products. The pharmaceutical industry has a very effective system to market products that span media, promotional events, reminders and training.
Taxes and exchange rate components
This affects the price to your pharmacy and will be passed on to you.
Wholesalers
These companies import your medication for distribution to retailers and pharmacies.
Retail prices
Pharmacies add mark-ups to the base prices related to regular business expenses.
Professional fees
Jamaican pharmacists do charge professional fees for dispensing and providing associated counselling
services.
There is international concern about the rising cost of medication and the inability of a growing segment of the population to purchase treatment. This situation makes consumers more vulnerable to accessing medication of spurious quality through unauthorised channels.
Patients in Jamaica report additional challenges. In order to secure a prescription drug, you have to visit a physician for consultation and diagnosis. Laboratory and other evaluations may also be needed prior to the issuance of a prescription. It is important to note that some drugs may be more expensive at the outset. However, you may need to take fewer of them and experience fewer side effects.
Dr. Daniel Sarpong, senior biostatistician and pharmacoeconomist of Jackson State University, is presently introducing pharmacists in Jamaica to the art and science of pharmacoeconomics. He said, "Costing models can be complex. Pharmacists need to have an appreciation of all aspects of the types of analyses, economic and humanistic outcomes in order to guide countries and individuals into making rational drug choices. Fewer side effects and other quality of life issues are important aspects of decision-making."
You have a critical role to play in keeping down the cost of your medication. In order to ensure that you maximise benefit from your treatment and reduce the need for reordering, here are four rules that will help:
1. Take your medication as prescribed.
2. Store your medication as advised.
3. Make sure that you understand potential drug vs. drug, or drug vs. food interactions that have the potential to reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
4. Ask your pharmacist if a less expensive but equivalent generic is available.
Remember the golden rule, 'prevention is better than cure'. Take care of your body and massage your mind, exercise, get adequate amounts of rest, and stay safe.
Ellen Campbell Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, Information & Research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
