Drug Price Trends for BUTALB-ACETAMINOPH-CAFF-CODEIN

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine

Introduction

Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine, commonly known by brand names such as Fioricet with Codeine, is a combination medication used to manage tension (or muscle contraction) headaches. This analysis will delve into the market dynamics, pricing, and future projections for this drug.

Market Indications and Usage

This medication is indicated for the management of tension headaches when non-opioid analgesics and other alternative treatments are inadequate. It is a combination product containing butalbital (a barbiturate), acetaminophen, caffeine (a methylxanthine), and codeine phosphate (an opioid agonist)[3][4][5].

Market Demand and Patient Base

The demand for Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine is driven by patients suffering from chronic or recurrent tension headaches who have not found relief with other treatments. Given the specific indications, the patient base is relatively niche but consistent, as tension headaches are a common condition.

Pricing and Cost Analysis

The pricing of Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine can vary based on the dosage and the pharmacy. Here are some key pricing points:

• Cost for Cash-Paying Customers: For a supply of 100 capsules, the cost can range from approximately $57 to $629.42, depending on the dosage and pharmacy[2].
• Discount Programs: The use of discount cards, such as those offered by Drugs.com, can significantly reduce the cost, potentially saving up to 80%[2].

Market Competition

The market for headache medications is competitive, with various non-opioid and opioid-containing options available. However, Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine holds a unique position due to its specific combination of active ingredients. Competitors include other prescription and over-the-counter headache medications, but the unique formulation of this drug helps it maintain a distinct market share.

Regulatory Environment

The regulatory environment for opioid-containing medications is stringent due to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. The FDA has implemented a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for these products to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks[3][5].

Safety and Risk Factors

The medication comes with significant safety warnings, including risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, life-threatening respiratory depression, accidental ingestion, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. These risks necessitate careful patient selection and monitoring[1][3][5].

Dosage and Administration

The dosage is typically one or two capsules every four hours as needed, with a maximum of six capsules per day. The specific strengths available are 50 mg butalbital, 325 mg acetaminophen, 40 mg caffeine, and 30 mg codeine phosphate[3][5].

Price Projections

Given the stable demand and the necessity of this medication for certain patients, price projections are likely to remain relatively stable. Here are a few factors influencing future pricing:

• Pharmaceutical Market Trends: General trends in pharmaceutical pricing, including inflation and regulatory changes, may influence the cost.
• Discount Programs and Patient Assistance: Continued availability of discount programs and patient assistance plans can help keep costs manageable for patients.
• Competition and Generic Options: The introduction of generic versions or similar combination products could impact pricing, but the unique formulation of Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine is likely to maintain its market position.

Key Takeaways

• Stable Demand: The medication has a consistent patient base due to its specific indications.
• Pricing Variability: Costs can vary significantly based on dosage and pharmacy, with discount programs offering substantial savings.
• Regulatory Oversight: Strict regulations due to opioid content ensure careful patient selection and monitoring.
• Safety Considerations: Significant safety risks necessitate careful use and monitoring.

FAQs

Q: What is Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine used for? A: It is used to manage the symptom complex of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches when other non-opioid analgesics and alternative treatments are inadequate[3][4][5].

Q: What are the main components of Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine? A: The medication contains butalbital (a barbiturate), acetaminophen, caffeine (a methylxanthine), and codeine phosphate (an opioid agonist)[3][4][5].

Q: What are the significant risks associated with this medication? A: Risks include addiction, abuse, and misuse, life-threatening respiratory depression, accidental ingestion, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome[1][3][5].

Q: How much does Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine cost? A: The cost can range from approximately $57 to $629.42 for a supply of 100 capsules, depending on the dosage and pharmacy, with potential savings through discount programs[2].

Q: Are there any patient assistance programs available for this medication? A: Currently, there are no specific patient assistance programs available for Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine, but healthcare providers may have information on other available programs[2].

Cited Sources

1. eMPR.com: Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine Capsules.
2. Drugs.com: Acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine/codeine Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance.
3. Drugs.com: Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine and Codeine - Drugs.com.
4. Mayo Clinic: Butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine (oral route).
5. FDA: Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Codeine Phosphate Capsules label.