Three months into COVID-19, and things are looking down (in a good way)

CMS has released their latest round of drug pricing data, giving us further insights into how the prescription drug supply chain is responding to the new challenges and demands presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. While many expected the pressures to cause massive shortages and price increases, the data shows that while shortages have definitely jumped, this new CMS drug pricing data shows that not only have generic drug prices stayed in check, but they actually appear to be deflating! But of course, the details matter, and we’ve got them for you.

Ben LinkJuly 28, 2020NADAC, Medicaid, Generic, COVID, Methylphenidate, Concerta, Ritalin, dexamethasone, Plaquenil, Hydroxychloroquine, ADHD, Zoloft, sertraline

2,500% price increase? New 46brooklyn report highlights hydroxychloroquine pricing tactics

It is well-known that competition in the generic manufacturer marketplace drives drug prices down considerably. Plaquenil, a brand-name drug that has been on the market since 1955, eventually saw generics enter the market almost a quarter of a century ago. By all accounts, generic Plaquenil – known as hydroxychloroquine – had become a very affordable drug at approximately 10 cents per pill. But FDA actions quickly dried up the supply of the drug, causing prices to balloon more than 2,500%. 46brooklyn’s newest drug pricing report examines how state Medicaid programs were impacted by this price spike, and how some states continued paying elevated rates even after the price came crashing back down.

Ben LinkAugust 9, 2018Plaquenil, Hydroxychloroquine, Medicaid, Generic, Spread