Cost variation analysis of commonly used oral antidiabetic drugs available in the Indian pharmaceutical market: a cross-sectional study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, progressive metabolic disease that can lead to both microvascular and macrovascular problems. OHAs, or oral hypoglycemic agents, are crucial for controlling elevated blood glucose levels and treatment adherence. The cost of medications affects both patient adherence and sensible prescribing. In India, the same antidiabetic drugs are sold under several different brands at wildly disparate costs. Financial burden may result from prescribing pricey brands, particularly for long-term illnesses like diabetes mellitus. Aim was to enumerate the price of commonly used oral antidiabetic drugs in India and study the cost variation of oral antidiabetic drugs. Methods: Data from CIMS April-June 2024 on 17 antidiabetic drugs (various strengths) were analysed. Maximum and minimum prices (per 10 tablets) were recorded. Cost differences, cost ratios, and cost variation percentages were calculated using MS Excel 2021, with data represented in tables and charts. Results: Overall, the maximum and minimum cost variation among individual drugs were linagliptin 5 mg (586.67%) and glibenclamide 5 mg (39.80%) respectively. Among FDC’s the minimum cost variation was glibenclamide + metformin (5+500 mg SR tablet; 4.77%) and maximum cost variation was of glimepiride + metformin (1+500 mg SR tablet; 1246.47%). Conclusions: The prices of the numerous brands of oral anti-diabetics that are sold in the Indian market vary greatly. Physicians need to be aware of these differences and prescribe medications appropriately, taking the patient’s financial situation into account and also to encourage treatment compliance.