Cost analysis of fixed-dose combinations of proton- pump inhibitor drugs available in the Indian market

Proton-Pump Inhibitor; Fixed-Dose Combinations; Cost Analysis; Percentage Variation; Cost Ratio INTRODUCTION Modern lifestyle, food habits, and genetic factors of the Indian population along with overuse of different medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to increased gastric acid secretion causing erosive gastritis, gastric esophageal reflux disease, and peptic ulcer disease. [...]the present study was conducted with the objective to evaluate the cost of FDCs of PPIs of different brands and to analyze the price variation among those available in the Indian market. Procedure * Price of FDCs of PPI in Indian rupees (INR) manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies in India, in the same strength was obtained from "Current Index of Medical Specialties" (CIMS) July-September 2020, and Indian Drug Review (IDR), August 2020, as they are a readily available source of drug information and are updated regularly * Difference in the maximum and minimum price of the same drug formulation manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies and percentage variation in prices was calculated * Percentage variation in price was calculated as follows: .. [...]in effect, the ceiling prices are influenced by the already existing prices of popular brands in