Why Not Just Give Patients a 365 Day Supply of Generics?

There are certainly some exceptions where the drug is a narcotic or where the drug could be clinically abused.  BUT, in most cases, it probably is the most efficient solution for the market.  The cost of the waste is probably outweighed by the savings.  And, if you’re not a retailer looking for foot traffic, isn’t efficient what matters?  [Not always of course as this flies in the face of my last post on pharmacy as the cornerstone for communications.]

For example:

A – 30-day supply of generic

• Assume the drug cost is $0.20 per day
• Assume the cost of filling the drug is $5.00
• Total cost every 30 days = $11
• Total annual cost (12 fills) = $132
• A 365 day supply would save $55 in dispensing costs with only a minor uptick in bottle costs.

B – 90 day supply of generic

• Assume the drug cost is $0.18 per day
• Assume the cost of filling the drug is $10.00
• Total cost every 90 days = $26.20
• Total annual cost (four 90-day fills) = $104.80
• A 365 day supply would save $30 in dispensing costs with only a minor uptick in bottle costs and shipping costs.

Especially if you waited until the initial drop in adherence after the first 3-months, you would have less waste.