Drug Price Trends for BETHANECHOL

Average Pharmacy Cost for BETHANECHOL

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
BETHANECHOL 10 MG TABLET	53746-0572-01	0.23188	EACH	2025-03-19
BETHANECHOL 10 MG TABLET	00832-0511-00	0.23188	EACH	2025-03-19
BETHANECHOL 50 MG TABLET	65162-0574-10	0.32162	EACH	2025-03-19
BETHANECHOL 10 MG TABLET	00832-0511-89	0.23188	EACH	2025-03-19

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Bethanechol

Introduction to Bethanechol

Bethanechol, a cholinergic agonist, is widely used in the management of postoperative urinary retention and other pathologies associated with underactive bladder. It is prescribed to improve detrusor contractility, despite its limited clinical efficacy in some cases[1][4].

Market Usage and Prescription Patterns

Prevalence and Preferred Indications

Bethanechol remains the most prescribed drug for managing postoperative urinary retention and other conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), diabetic neuropathy, and neurological diseases involving lower motor neuron lesions. A nationwide survey involving 630 urologists revealed that bethanechol was commonly prescribed, with 50.48% of respondents indicating its use as very common and 31.75% as common in postoperative urinary retention[1][4].

Dosage Preferences

The most commonly prescribed dosages of bethanechol are 25 mg orally three times daily (70.00% of respondents), followed by 50 mg orally three times daily (13.65%), and 25 mg orally four times daily (9.37%)[1][4].

Market Demand and Sales

High Usage Despite Limited Efficacy

Despite studies showing limited efficacy, the usage and sales of bethanechol are quite high. This is partly due to the limited treatment options available for managing underactive bladder and related pathologies. The high prescription rate indicates a strong market demand for this drug[1][4].

Price Analysis

Current Pricing

The cost of bethanechol varies based on the dosage and quantity. Here are some current price points:

• 10 mg oral tablet: Around $61 for a supply of 100 tablets, with a per-unit cost of approximately $0.61[2].
• 25 mg oral tablet: Starting from $141.63 for 100 tablets, with a per-unit cost of about $1.42[2].
• 50 mg oral tablet: Starting from $167.92 for 100 tablets, with a per-unit cost of around $1.68[2].

Discounts and Assistance Programs

Patients can benefit from various discount programs, such as the Drugs.com Discount Card, which can save up to 80% on prescription medicines. Additionally, there are copay cards, rebates, and other savings offers available, although no manufacturer promotions were found for bethanechol at the time of writing[2].

Price Projections

Factors Influencing Pricing

Several factors can influence the future pricing of bethanechol:

• Market Demand: Continued high demand due to limited alternative treatments for underactive bladder and related conditions.
• Competition: The presence of alternative drugs, although limited, could impact pricing.
• Regulatory Changes: Any changes in regulatory policies or healthcare reimbursement schemes could affect the pricing.
• Innovations in Drug Delivery: The development of sustained release formulations, which many healthcare providers believe offer better compliance, safety, and efficacy, could influence pricing strategies[1][4].

Potential Price Trends

Given the high demand and limited efficacy of alternative treatments, it is likely that the price of bethanechol will remain stable or see a moderate increase. Here are some potential trends:

• Stable Pricing: If the demand remains consistent and there are no significant changes in the market or regulatory environment, prices are likely to remain stable.
• Moderate Increase: As healthcare costs continue to rise and the demand for effective treatments for underactive bladder persists, there could be a moderate increase in prices.
• Impact of Sustained Release Formulations: The introduction of sustained release formulations, which are perceived to offer better treatment compliance, safety, and efficacy, might lead to a slight increase in prices due to the added value these formulations provide[1][4].

Consumer and Healthcare Provider Perspectives

Perceived Benefits of Sustained Release Formulations

A significant majority of healthcare providers (89.68% for compliance, 86.99% for safety, and 86.35% for efficacy) agree that sustained release formulations of bethanechol offer better treatment outcomes. This perception could drive demand for these formulations and potentially influence pricing[1][4].

Common Adverse Effects and Patient Compliance

Common adverse effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and nausea can affect patient compliance. However, the benefits of sustained release formulations in reducing these side effects and improving compliance might offset these concerns and support stable or increasing demand for bethanechol[4].

Conclusion

Bethanechol remains a crucial drug in the management of underactive bladder and related conditions, driven by its widespread prescription and high market demand. While its pricing is influenced by various factors, the introduction of sustained release formulations and the consistent demand are likely to keep prices stable or lead to a moderate increase.

Key Takeaways

• High Market Demand: Bethanechol is widely prescribed for postoperative urinary retention and other pathologies.
• Preferred Dosages: Common dosages include 25 mg orally three times daily and 50 mg orally three times daily.
• Current Pricing: Prices vary from around $61 for 100 10 mg tablets to $167.92 for 100 50 mg tablets.
• Discount Programs: Various discount programs and assistance cards are available to reduce costs.
• Future Pricing Trends: Prices are likely to remain stable or see a moderate increase due to high demand and the introduction of sustained release formulations.

FAQs

What is the primary use of bethanechol?

Bethanechol is primarily used to manage postoperative urinary retention and other pathologies associated with underactive bladder by improving detrusor contractility.

What are the common dosages of bethanechol?

The most common dosages are 25 mg orally three times daily and 50 mg orally three times daily.

How much does bethanechol cost?

The cost varies by dosage, with 100 10 mg tablets costing around $61 and 100 50 mg tablets costing around $167.92.

Are there any discount programs available for bethanechol?

Yes, there are discount programs such as the Drugs.com Discount Card that can save up to 80% on prescription medicines.

What is the impact of sustained release formulations on bethanechol pricing?

Sustained release formulations are perceived to offer better compliance, safety, and efficacy, which might lead to a slight increase in prices due to the added value they provide.

Sources

1. Kamble, S.V., Yadav, A.K., Sharma, M.T., & Bhosle, R.R. (2024). Bethanechol Remains the Preferred Drug in Suspected Underactive Bladder: Findings from Nation-Wide Prescription Analysis. Open Journal of Urology, 14, 301-311. https://doi.org/10.4236/oju.2024.145031
2. Drugs.com. Bethanechol Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance.
3. Walter, J., & Wheeler, J. (2022). Use of Bethanechol, 50 mg/BID, for a Failed Decatheterization Test: A Position Statement. Uro, 2(2), 134-136. https://doi.org/10.3390/uro2020016
4. Kamble, S.V., Yadav, A.K., Sharma, M.T., & Bhosle, R.R. (2024). Bethanechol Remains the Preferred Drug in Suspected Underactive Bladder: Findings from Nation-Wide Prescription Analysis. Open Journal of Urology, 14, 301-311. https://www.scirp.org/pdf/oju2024145_55000931.pdf