[e-drug] brand vs generic simvastatin prices?

[valeria.frighi@doctors.org.uk]

E-DRUG: brand vs generic simvastatin prices?
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Dear e-druggers, 

Could anyone explain to me why simvastatin is still so expensive 
despite being off patent for over a year? A 10 mg 28 tb pack costs 
the National Service # 15.18 as a generic and #18.03 as branded 
(Zocor). Fluvastatin (Nescol, Novartis), which is still under patent 
costs much less, at # 12.72 per 28 tb pack both for the 20 and the 
40 mg dose. Fluvastatin modified release (Lescol LX), costs  only 
# 16 for the 80 mg dose, again 28 tb pack.

Simvastatin (generic), all 28 tb packs: #24.21 for 20 mg, # 26.81 
40 mg and # 29.08 for 80 mg. 
Simvastatin (Zocor) all a bit higher than generic but not very much 
so .

As a prescriber, after clinical efficacy and safety, I always consider 
costs to the NHS, but I really don't understand how this works for 
statins.

I would appreciate some light on this.

Thank-you,

Valeria


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Dr Valeria Frighi
Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Churchill Hospital
Oxford
OX3 7LJ
UK

Tel  # 44 1865 857300
Fax # 44 1865 857311