fitness news
,
Font size Cardiovascular Health
Generic Drugs Lead to Better Treatment of Cholesterol
– Reported, September 12 2014
High cholesterol affects more than 100 million Americans, making statins one of the most-prescribed drugs in the country.
However, when it comes to choosing those drugs, a new study shows that generic drugs lead to more effective treatment of cholesterol.
The research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that those who are prescribed a generic drug, as opposed to a more expensive brand-name drug, were more likely to stick with their treatment schedule and take the medication more consistently.
While the study found that the findings applied universally to all kinds of drugs, it was most commonly seen in statins to treat cholesterol. Thats because they require the patient to take them consistently to be effective.
The study examined more than 90,000 patients over the age of 65 and found that price played a large roll in the consistency of the medication program.
Generic statins cost on average around $10 to refill, while the brand name drugs cost an average of $48.
While researchers admit that the findings become less applicable for higher income levels and under more expansive health care coverage, for much of the population, generic drugs led to better overall treatment.
