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Drug Price Trends for AMETHYST
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Average Pharmacy Cost for AMETHYST
| Drug Name | NDC | Price/Unit ($) | Unit | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMETHYST 90-20 MCG TABLET | 00480-3472-24 | 1.27574 | EACH | 2025-05-21 |
| AMETHYST 90-20 MCG TABLET | 00480-3472-24 | 1.24119 | EACH | 2025-04-23 |
| AMETHYST 90-20 MCG TABLET | 00480-3472-24 | 1.11861 | EACH | 2025-03-19 |
| AMETHYST 90-20 MCG TABLET | 00480-3472-24 | 1.02210 | EACH | 2025-02-19 |
| AMETHYST 90-20 MCG TABLET | 00480-3472-24 | 0.90766 | EACH | 2025-01-22 |
| AMETHYST 90-20 MCG TABLET | 00480-3472-24 | 0.96092 | EACH | 2024-12-18 |
| AMETHYST 90-20 MCG TABLET | 00480-3472-24 | 0.79285 | EACH | 2024-11-20 |
| >Drug Name | >NDC | >Price/Unit ($) | >Unit | >Date |
Market Analysis and Price Projections for Amethyst
Introduction
Amethyst is a non-cyclic oral contraceptive that combines levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, providing a low daily dose of estrogen and progestin. This analysis will delve into the market dynamics, pricing, and potential future price projections for Amethyst.
Market Dynamics
Demand and Usage
Amethyst is used for birth control and is part of the contraceptives drug class. The demand for oral contraceptives is steady, driven by the need for effective birth control methods. Clinical studies have shown that Amethyst is effective in preventing pregnancies, with a Pearl Index of 2.38 and a one-year life table pregnancy rate of 2.39 for women 35 years or less[1].
Competition
The market for oral contraceptives is competitive, with various brands and generic versions available. Amethyst competes with other oral contraceptives, including cyclic and non-cyclic options. The presence of generic versions of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel can impact the pricing and market share of Amethyst[3].
Current Pricing
Retail Prices
As of the current data, the cost for Amethyst (20 mcg-90 mcg) oral tablets is around $27 for a supply of 28 tablets, depending on the pharmacy. This price is for cash-paying customers and does not include insurance plans. Generic versions of the same formulation are also available, which can be priced differently, such as $62.95 for 84 tablets[3].
Discount Programs and Coupons
Consumers can use discount cards, such as the Drugs.com Discount Card, to save up to 80% or more off the cost of prescription medicines. These programs can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs for patients[3].
Price Projections
Impact of Generic Competition
The introduction of generic competitors can significantly reduce the prices of brand-name drugs. Studies have shown that the presence of one generic competitor can lead to a mean price reduction of around 14.9% to 17.0%, while multiple competitors can result in even greater price decreases, up to 70.2% or more[2].
Regulatory and Policy Changes
Changes in regulatory policies, such as the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, can also impact drug prices. Beginning in January 2026, negotiated prices for certain drugs, including those with significant price increases, will be implemented. While Amethyst is not specifically mentioned in these negotiations, similar drugs could see price reductions, influencing the broader market[5].
Factors Influencing Price
Pharmaceutical Market Trends
The pharmaceutical market is subject to various trends, including the impact of biosimilars and generic drugs on brand-name prices. For biologics and their biosimilars, the current Medicare reimbursement policy has not led to the same level of price competition as seen with generic drugs. However, as more biosimilars enter the market, prices are expected to decrease[2].
Economic and Healthcare Policies
Economic conditions, healthcare policies, and regulatory changes can all influence drug prices. For example, the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program aims to reduce drug prices by negotiating maximum fair prices for certain medications. While this program does not currently include Amethyst, it sets a precedent for future price negotiations in the pharmaceutical industry[5].
Potential Price Scenarios
Scenario 1: Generic Competition
If a generic version of Amethyst gains significant market share, the price of the brand-name Amethyst could decrease by 30% to 50% over the next few years, aligning with historical data on the impact of generic competition[2].
Scenario 2: Regulatory Changes
If regulatory policies, such as those under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, are extended to include more drugs, Amethyst could see negotiated prices that reduce its cost by 20% to 40% compared to current prices[5].
Scenario 3: Market Stability
In a scenario where there is minimal change in the competitive landscape and no significant regulatory interventions, the price of Amethyst might remain relatively stable, with minor fluctuations based on market demand and supply chain factors.
Conclusion
The pricing of Amethyst is influenced by a combination of market dynamics, competition from generic versions, and regulatory policies. As the pharmaceutical market continues to evolve, it is likely that the prices of drugs like Amethyst will be subject to various factors, including the introduction of generic competitors and changes in healthcare policies.
Key Takeaways
- Generic Competition: The presence of generic competitors can significantly reduce the prices of brand-name drugs.
- Regulatory Policies: Changes in regulatory policies, such as the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, can impact drug prices.
- Market Trends: The pharmaceutical market is influenced by trends in biosimilars, generic drugs, and economic conditions.
- Price Stability: In the absence of significant changes, prices may remain relatively stable.
FAQs
Q1: What is the current price of Amethyst? The current price of Amethyst (20 mcg-90 mcg) oral tablets is around $27 for a supply of 28 tablets, depending on the pharmacy[3].
Q2: How does generic competition affect the price of Amethyst? Generic competition can reduce the price of Amethyst by 30% to 50% or more, depending on the number of generic competitors in the market[2].
Q3: What is the impact of regulatory changes on drug prices? Regulatory changes, such as the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, can lead to negotiated prices that reduce the cost of drugs by 20% to 40% or more[5].
Q4: How does the bleeding profile of Amethyst affect its use? Amethyst's bleeding profile, which includes the possibility of unscheduled bleeding and spotting, is a consideration for users. However, it does not significantly impact the overall demand for the drug[1].
Q5: What are the potential health risks associated with Amethyst? Amethyst, like other oral contraceptives, carries risks such as an increased risk of myocardial infarction, particularly in smokers or women with underlying risk factors for coronary-artery disease[4].
Sources
- Drugs.com: Amethyst package insert / prescribing information.
- JAMA Network Open: Association of Generic Competition With Price Decreases in Drugs.
- Drugs.com: Amethyst Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance.
- FDA.report: AMETHYST- levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablet.
- ASPE - HHS.gov: Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.
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