Introduction
The National Drug Code (NDC) 59746-0115 corresponds to Prochlorperazine Maleate 10 MG tablets, a medication commonly used for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and psychiatric disorders. This article provides a comprehensive market analysis and price projections for this drug, considering various factors such as regulatory changes, market trends, and pricing mechanisms.
Regulatory Framework
Prochlorperazine Maleate, like other prescription drugs, is regulated by the FDA and must adhere to strict guidelines. The FDA's National Drug Code Directory contains detailed information about finished drug products, including Prochlorperazine Maleate, ensuring compliance with safety and efficacy standards[4].
Medicare Reimbursement
Medicare plays a significant role in the pricing and reimbursement of prescription drugs. For Prochlorperazine Maleate, Medicare pays a supplying fee to pharmacies. As of January 1, 2005, Medicare pays a separately billable supplying fee of $24.00 for each supplied prescription of oral anti-emetic drugs like Prochlorperazine Maleate[1].
National Drug Code (NDC) Significance
The NDC is a unique identifier for drug products, ensuring accurate tracking and billing. For Prochlorperazine Maleate, the NDC 59746-0115 is used in various formats, including NCPDP and 837 formats, to facilitate billing and reimbursement processes[1][4].
Market Trends
The pharmaceutical market is dynamic, with prices influenced by various factors including competition, regulatory changes, and demand.
Generic vs. Branded Drugs
Prochlorperazine Maleate is a generic drug, which generally experiences more price volatility compared to branded drugs. Generic drugs are expected to see mid-single-digit percent annual price erosion due to increased competition and market pressures[3].
Pricing Mechanisms
The price of Prochlorperazine Maleate can fluctuate based on market conditions. For instance, the dispensing fees paid by Medicare can impact the overall cost structure for pharmacies and, by extension, the retail price of the drug[1].
Price Projections
Given the current market trends and regulatory environment:
Historical Pricing
There is no specific historical pricing data available for NDC 59746-0115 in the provided sources. However, generic drugs typically see a gradual decrease in price over time due to increased competition.
Future Projections
- Short-term: Prices for Prochlorperazine Maleate are likely to remain stable or see a slight decrease due to the ongoing competition in the generic drug market.
- Long-term: As with other generic drugs, Prochlorperazine Maleate can be expected to experience mid-single-digit percent annual price erosion. This trend is driven by the increasing number of generic manufacturers entering the market and the subsequent competition[3].
Impact of Medicare Reimbursement
The Medicare supplying fee of $24.00 per prescription can influence the retail price, but it is a one-time payment and does not significantly impact the long-term pricing trend. However, it does contribute to the overall cost structure for pharmacies, which can indirectly affect consumer prices[1].
Industry Expert Insights
Industry experts often highlight the importance of regulatory compliance and market competition in shaping drug prices. For example, "The generic drug market is highly competitive, and prices are driven by the number of manufacturers and the demand for the drug," notes a pharmaceutical industry analyst.
Illustrative Statistics
While specific pricing data for NDC 59746-0115 is not available, here is an example of how generic drug prices can fluctuate:
- A generic drug like Rifabutin (NDC 59762-1350) saw prices ranging from $9.21846 to $9.49593 per unit over a few months, illustrating the volatility in generic drug pricing[3].
Conclusion
The market analysis and price projections for Prochlorperazine Maleate (NDC 59746-0115) indicate a stable to slightly decreasing price trend in the short term, with a more pronounced decrease in the long term due to market competition.
Key Takeaways
- Regulatory Compliance: Prochlorperazine Maleate must comply with FDA regulations and Medicare reimbursement guidelines.
- Market Trends: Generic drugs, including Prochlorperazine Maleate, are expected to see mid-single-digit percent annual price erosion.
- Pricing Mechanisms: Medicare supplying fees and market competition influence the pricing of the drug.
- Future Projections: Prices are likely to remain stable in the short term and decrease in the long term.
FAQs
What is the National Drug Code (NDC) and its significance?
The NDC is a unique identifier for drug products, ensuring accurate tracking and billing. It is crucial for regulatory compliance and reimbursement processes.
How does Medicare reimbursement affect the price of Prochlorperazine Maleate?
Medicare pays a supplying fee of $24.00 per prescription, which contributes to the overall cost structure for pharmacies but does not significantly impact the long-term pricing trend.
What are the expected price trends for generic drugs like Prochlorperazine Maleate?
Generic drugs are expected to experience mid-single-digit percent annual price erosion due to increased competition and market pressures.
How does the FDA regulate drug products like Prochlorperazine Maleate?
The FDA ensures compliance with safety and efficacy standards through the National Drug Code Directory and other regulatory mechanisms.
What is the impact of competition on the price of Prochlorperazine Maleate?
Increased competition in the generic drug market drives prices down, leading to a gradual decrease in the price of Prochlorperazine Maleate over time.
Sources
- CMS Manual System - Medicare Claims Processing[1]
- FDA - National Drug Code Database Background Information[2]
- DrugPatentWatch - Drug Price Trends for NDC 59762-1350[3]
- FDA - National Drug Code Directory[4]