51 Pharmacoecnomic Evaluation of Generic Vs Branded Preparation of Ferrous Ascorbate in 14 to 24 Wkks of Gestational Women

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency is a major problem worldwide especially in women of reproductive age. Ferrous
Ascorbate has good efficacy, less gastrointestinal side effects and with better patient compliance. Objective:
Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of branded and generic drug will help to find out the least expensive alternative
for treating anaemic pregnant women .This will help in reducing health-economic burden and ensure compliance
to minimize morbidity and mortality.Methods: We conducted prospective randomized active control open
label study in pregnant women between 14-20 weeks. The patients were divided into two groups - Branded
and Generic Ferrous Ascorbate groups. Treatment was given orally once a day for a period of 8 weeks.
Change in Haemoglobin level,Serum ferritin ,adverse effects were recorded after an interval of 30 and 60
days from baseline. Average and Incremental cost effectiveness ratio was calculated in terms of rupees.
Results: We observed that there was significant rise in Hb in both groups but therise was greater in Branded

group than in Generic (11.86 ± 0.14 Vs10.725 ± 0.14,p-0.001) at the end of 60 days. The average cost-
effectiveness ratio (ACER) for Branded group was Rs. 250.77, less than that of Generic gr 269.38 per

increase in Hb gm%. The most frequently occurred adverse drug event was constipation which was highest
in Generic Group.Conclusion: Ferrous Ascorbate caused significant rise in Hb in gm % in both Branded and
Generic groups. But Branded Ferrous Ascorbate had better efficacy and was the favourable drug for treatment,
as ACER was less and reported less number of adverse events.