COST VARIATION ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR BLOCKERS AVAILABLE IN THE INDIAN MARKET

Background: Analysis of price inconsistencies among various brands guides prescribing physicians. A cost-effective prescribing pattern safeguards good patient compliance and better treatment outcomes. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the cost variation of different angiotensin receptor blockers available in the Indian market. Materials and Methods: The prices of angiotensin receptor blockers, produced by different pharmaceutical companies in India, with the same strength and dosage form were obtained from the Current Index of Medical Specialties, manual 2024-2025. The cost of generics was obtained from the janaushadhi.gov.in website. The maximum and minimum prices of brand drugs manufactured by different companies, cost differences of brand versus generic drugs, cost ratio, and the percentage cost variation, were calculated. Results: Candesartan had the highest cost variation. The difference between the minimum price of brand drugs and the cost of generic drugs was highest with telmisartan 80 mg at 41.23%. The cost variation among the combinations was maximum with telmisartan 80 mg + hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg at 559 %. Olmesartan 40 mg + chlorthalidone 12.5 mg showed a large difference when we compared the cost of brand versus generic combinations (108.65%). Conclusion: The prices of different brands of ARBs vary widely. Physicians must be aware of the availability of cost-effective drugs, which helps them prescribe the most suitable drug according to the patient’s economic status. This reduces the economic burden on both patients and the healthcare system.