Drug Identification
The NDC code 00406-0523 corresponds to Oxycodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets, a commonly prescribed opioid analgesic combination used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.
Current Market Pricing
As of recent data, the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Oxycodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific product formulation. For example, a 100-tablet package of Oxycodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets from Mylan was priced at around $93.10, or $0.93 per tablet[1].
Price Trends and Increases
The pharmaceutical market is known for its dynamic pricing, with frequent changes in list prices. From January 2022 to January 2023, the average price increase for prescription drugs was 15.2%, with some drugs experiencing much higher increases[3].
For generic drugs like Oxycodone-Acetaminophen, the median price increase was 19.9%, which is significantly higher than the median increase for brand-name drugs[2]. This trend suggests that generic drugs, including those with the NDC 00406-0523, may see substantial price increases over time.
Factors Influencing Price Changes
Several factors contribute to the price changes of prescription drugs:
- Inflation and Economic Conditions: Price increases often exceed the rate of inflation, adding to the financial burden on patients and healthcare systems[3].
- Market Competition: The presence of multiple generic versions of a drug can lead to competitive pricing, but it does not always result in lower prices. Sometimes, generic drugs see significant price hikes, as observed in the case of a generic naproxen which increased by 2,527%[2].
- Regulatory Environment: Changes in regulatory policies and drug price transparency laws can impact how manufacturers set and adjust their prices[4].
Price Projections
Given the historical trends and current market dynamics:
- Short-Term Projections: Over the next year, it is likely that the price of Oxycodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets will increase, potentially in line with the average increase of 15.2% observed from January 2022 to January 2023. This would put the price per tablet at around $1.07 to $1.10.
- Long-Term Projections: Over a three-year period, the cumulative price increase could be more significant, potentially exceeding 50% if the current trends continue. This would result in a price per tablet of around $1.40 to $1.50.
Impact on Affordability and Access
High and increasing prices of prescription drugs like Oxycodone-Acetaminophen pose significant challenges to patient affordability and access to care. These increases can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients, especially those without comprehensive insurance coverage.
Policy and Regulatory Initiatives
Recent initiatives, such as the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to negotiate lower prices for Medicare-covered drugs, aim to reduce the financial burden on patients. However, these initiatives may not immediately impact the prices of all generic drugs, including those with the NDC 00406-0523[5].
Conclusion
The pricing of Oxycodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets, identified by the NDC 00406-0523, is subject to the broader trends in the pharmaceutical market. With historical data indicating significant price increases for generic drugs, it is reasonable to project continued price hikes in the short and long term. These increases underscore the need for ongoing policy and regulatory efforts to ensure affordability and access to essential medications.
Key Takeaways
- Current Pricing: The WAC for Oxycodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets is around $0.93 per tablet.
- Price Trends: Generic drugs have seen median price increases of 19.9% over recent periods.
- Factors Influencing Prices: Inflation, market competition, and regulatory changes impact drug prices.
- Price Projections: Short-term increases could be around 15.2%, while long-term increases could exceed 50%.
- Affordability and Access: Rising prices pose challenges to patient affordability and access to care.
- Policy Initiatives: Ongoing efforts aim to reduce drug prices, but their immediate impact on generic drugs is uncertain.
FAQs
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What is the current wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Oxycodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets?
- The current WAC is around $93.10 for a 100-tablet package, or $0.93 per tablet[1].
-
How have generic drug prices changed in recent years?
- Generic drugs have seen significant price increases, with a median increase of 19.9% from January 2022 to January 2023[2].
-
What factors influence the price changes of prescription drugs?
- Factors include inflation, market competition, and regulatory changes[3].
-
How might policy initiatives impact the prices of generic drugs?
- Policy initiatives, such as Medicare price negotiations, aim to reduce prices but may not immediately affect all generic drugs[5].
-
What are the potential long-term price projections for Oxycodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets?
- Over a three-year period, the cumulative price increase could exceed 50%, resulting in a price per tablet of around $1.40 to $1.50.
Cited Sources
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Information for Vermont Prescribers of Prescription Drugs - Pfizer
- [PDF] Pfizer, "Information for Vermont Prescribers of Prescription Drugs"[1].
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Prescription Drug Price Transparency Results and Recommendations
- [PDF] Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, "Prescription Drug Price Transparency Results and Recommendations"[2].
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Changes in the List Prices of Prescription Drugs, 2017-2023 - ASPE
- [PDF] ASPE, "Changes in the List Prices of Prescription Drugs, 2017-2023"[3].
-
Methodology for Identifying Drugs for Affordability Review
- [PDF] Washington State Health Care Authority, "Methodology for Identifying Drugs for Affordability Review"[4].
-
Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New, Lower Prices for First Ten Drugs Selected for Medicare Price Negotiation
- White House, "Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New, Lower Prices for First Ten Drugs Selected for Medicare Price Negotiation"[5].
