Assessing the Economic Impact of Unused Medications in Acute Disease Management: A Retrospective Study in Algeria
Author(s)
Younes Zebbiche1, Mohamed Yacine Achouri, Sr., Prof2, Hakim Boudis, Prof3;
1Algerian Federation of Pharmacy, executive board, Algiers, Algeria, 2Algerrian Federation of Pharmacy, Algiers, Algeria, 3Algerian Federation of Pharmacy, Algiers, Algeria
1Algerian Federation of Pharmacy, executive board, Algiers, Algeria, 2Algerrian Federation of Pharmacy, Algiers, Algeria, 3Algerian Federation of Pharmacy, Algiers, Algeria
OBJECTIVES: OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to evaluate the economic impact of unused medications among patients with acute diseases in Algeria. It seeks to identify the factors contributing to medication waste and to propose actionable recommendations for improving medication adherence and resource management within the healthcare system
METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted involving a sample of 392 medical prescriptions collected from two major cities in the Algiers region. Data were gathered through telephone surveys with patients, focusing on variables such as age, gender, prescribing physician specialty, medication name, dosage form, and adherence status. The economic costs associated with unused medications were calculated by multiplying the number of unused units by their unit price, using actual purchase prices to ensure accuracy. Statistical analyses were performed to explore relationships between various factors and the costs associated with unused medications.
RESULTS: The findings indicate that prescriptions are more prevalent among women (63.01%) compared to men (36.9%), with the majority of prescriptions (93.8%) targeting adults. Specialists accounted for 61.2% of the prescribers. On average, each prescription contained 1.78 medications, with an average of 1.58 boxes prescribed per medication. The mean cost of prescriptions was 1102.78 DZD, with a theoretical cost of unused medications at 71.14 DZD and a real cost of 105.51 DZD. Significant correlations were found between patient age, gender, prescriber specialty, and the costs associated with unused medications.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significant economic impact of medication waste in the management of acute diseases. Recommendations include encouraging manufacturers to offer unit-dose packaging, raising awareness among healthcare professionals, and enhancing treatment monitoring tools.. Future research should aim to expand this study on a national scale to gain a comprehensive understanding of medication waste and its implications for public health.
This study aims to evaluate the economic impact of unused medications among patients with acute diseases in Algeria. It seeks to identify the factors contributing to medication waste and to propose actionable recommendations for improving medication adherence and resource management within the healthcare system
METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted involving a sample of 392 medical prescriptions collected from two major cities in the Algiers region. Data were gathered through telephone surveys with patients, focusing on variables such as age, gender, prescribing physician specialty, medication name, dosage form, and adherence status. The economic costs associated with unused medications were calculated by multiplying the number of unused units by their unit price, using actual purchase prices to ensure accuracy. Statistical analyses were performed to explore relationships between various factors and the costs associated with unused medications.
RESULTS: The findings indicate that prescriptions are more prevalent among women (63.01%) compared to men (36.9%), with the majority of prescriptions (93.8%) targeting adults. Specialists accounted for 61.2% of the prescribers. On average, each prescription contained 1.78 medications, with an average of 1.58 boxes prescribed per medication. The mean cost of prescriptions was 1102.78 DZD, with a theoretical cost of unused medications at 71.14 DZD and a real cost of 105.51 DZD. Significant correlations were found between patient age, gender, prescriber specialty, and the costs associated with unused medications.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significant economic impact of medication waste in the management of acute diseases. Recommendations include encouraging manufacturers to offer unit-dose packaging, raising awareness among healthcare professionals, and enhancing treatment monitoring tools.. Future research should aim to expand this study on a national scale to gain a comprehensive understanding of medication waste and its implications for public health.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
EE104
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas