Drug Store News - Ranbaxy and Teva also received FDA approval for lisinopril and hydrochiorothiazide tablets in 10 mg/12.5 mg, 20 mg/12.5 mg and 20 mg/25 mg - Generic News -…
* Medco Health Solutions (formerly Merck-Medco) says it expects to save its clients and members more than $100 million over the next 12 months on generic versions of Prinvil/ Zestril (lisinopril), which is now available. The PBM says it has already switched 91% of patients taking Prinivil/Zestril to the new generic during the first two weeks of generic availability.
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Prinivil/Zestril, an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension, generated $1.1 billion in sales in 2001. Medco Health says its generic substitution programs have saved more than $138 million on Prozac (fluoxetine) and $36 million on Glucophage (metformin) since they have been available in generic versions. Generic fluoxetine became available in August 2001 and generic metformin became available in February 2002. Medco Health Solutions says cost savings will amount to more than $500 million per year for all three drugs. By 2005, prescription drugs with $25 billion a year in sales could lose patent protection–underscoring the enormous opportunity associated with maximizing the use of generics. Each 1% increase in the use of generics yields more than $200 million in savings for Medco Health plan sponsors and members, the company says. Information: Jeffrey Simek, (201) 269-6400.
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