Khang Wen Goh

  • Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
  • Faculty of Computing and Engineering, Quest International University, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Price Variation Among Registered Brands of Anti-Cancer Medicines Available in Pakistan

    DOI: 10.52494/EXVW6975
    by Fiza Ayub, Kah Seng Lee, Khang Wen Goh, Muhammad Faisal Nadeem, Imtiaz Rabbani, Amal K Sulaiman and Tahir Mehmood Khan.
    Vol. 8 No. 1 (2022): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: June 30, 2022
    Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

    Abstract

    The current study aims to explore the number of registered anticancer medicine in Pakistan and the price variation of these single-ingredient medicines. A data-based study was conducted between March 2021 and May 2021. Pharmaguide (Mobile Version 2020 – 2021), Druginfosys.com and Medicialstore.com.pk were used to derive the price of anticancer medications sold in Pakistan. The difference in minimum and maximum costs of each formulation was calculated, and the price variations in 81 anticancer medicines belonging to 14 different categories were analysed. There were 115 formulations registered for these 81 anticancer medications. Estimations in price difference revealed that topotecan (4mg / ml) had the highest price variation, while the lowest price variation of 4.01% was observed for abiraterone acetate (250mg). Price variations among different anti-cancer brands marketed in Pakistan are noticeable and substantial, therefore necessitating action from the drug regulatory authority of Pakistan, not only to gain awareness on this issue, but also to set pricing thresholds to make the prices of anti-cancer medications more affordable. In addition, external reference pricing and reimbursement programs partially sponsored by the government or insurance companies can be a possible way to control the price variation of anti-cancer drugs.

    Utilization Review of Anti-peptic Ulcer Drugs at an Outpatient Pharmacy Setting of a Private Hospital in Malaysia

      DOI: 10.52494/AQDL4117
      by Puvithra Ravi Sundram, Ching Siang Tan, Shashidharan Menon, H. Jaasminerjiit Kaur, Kah Seng Lee, Abdullah Khan, Anandarajagopal Kalusalingam, Khang Wen Goh and Pit Wei Ng.
      Vol. 7 No. 1 (2021): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: June 30, 2021
      Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

      Abstract

      Anti-peptic ulcer drugs (APUDs) such as proton pump inhibitors (PPI), H2 receptor antagonists (H2A), antacids are widely prescribed. This study is aimed to describe the utilisation pattern of APUDs based on WHO Defined Daily Dose (DDD) and identify most commonly used APUD in the selected hospital. A retrospective study was carried out in outpatient of the selected hospital for year 2017. Sample size was calculated using Raosoft. DDD of APUDs and direct drug cost were calculated. Data were collected through electronic medical record by retrieving patients’ registration number. Inclusion criteria were patients above 18 years old and APUDs prescribed for gastrointestinal related indications. A total of 160 prescriptions were randomly selected for data analysis. Based on the DDD calculated, Rabeprazole 20mg was most prescribed drug among PPI (n=33), while Maalox is most prescribed drug among the antacids (n=23). Based on the DDD calculated, Pantoprazole 20mg recorded highest rates per user per day about 1.26 DDD / user / day while antacids, Actal reported highest usage rate with 7.11 DDD / user / day. Besides, there are 5.4 days supplied per user for this drug. Dexlansoprazole 60mg is the most expensive drug among all the PPI listed in hospital formulary. It has 18.5 days supplied/user, which is the second shortest duration of treatment among all the other PPIs. In contrast, omeprazole 20mg is the lowest cost PPI but the duration supplied per user is longer resulting in higher total cost of therapy. In conclusion, PPIs were the most commonly prescribed.