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Last Updated: May 17, 2025

Drug Price Trends for BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN-CAFFEINE-CODEINE


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Drug Price Trends for BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN-CAFFEINE-CODEINE

Average Pharmacy Cost for BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN-CAFFEINE-CODEINE

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey
Drug Name NDC Price/Unit ($) Unit Date
BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN-CAFFEINE-CODEINE 50-325-40-30 MG CP 00054-3000-01 0.84754 EACH 2025-04-23
BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN-CAFFEINE-CODEINE 50-300-40-30 MG CP 00591-2641-01 4.88081 EACH 2025-04-23
BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN-CAFFEINE-CODEINE 50-325-40-30 MG CP 51991-0073-01 0.84754 EACH 2025-04-23
>Drug Name >NDC >Price/Unit ($) >Unit >Date

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 drug used for the management of tension headaches. This medication combines a barbiturate (butalbital), an analgesic and antipyretic (acetaminophen), a central nervous system stimulant (caffeine), and an opioid agonist (codeine phosphate). Here’s a comprehensive market analysis and price projection for this drug.

Market Demand

The demand for butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine is driven by the prevalence of tension headaches and the need for effective pain management. Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches, affecting a significant portion of the population. Given the complex nature of these headaches, a combination drug like Fioricet with Codeine is often prescribed when other non-opioid and non-barbiturate treatments are inadequate[3].

Pricing Overview

The pricing of butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine can vary based on several factors, including the pharmacy, location, and availability of discounts or patient assistance programs.

  • Cash Prices: For a supply of 100 capsules, the cost can range from approximately $57 to $629.42, depending on the specific formulation and pharmacy. For example, the 325 mg-50 mg-40 mg-30 mg formulation can cost around $57 for 100 capsules[2].
  • Discounts and Coupons: Utilizing discount cards, such as those offered by Drugs.com, can significantly reduce the cost. These cards can save up to 80% or more off the cost of prescription medicines[2][5].

Market Trends

Regulatory Environment

The FDA has implemented a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for opioid analgesics, including butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine, to mitigate the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. This regulatory environment may influence prescribing practices and patient access[3].

Safety Concerns

The drug is associated with several safety concerns, including the risk of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, as well as acute liver failure due to acetaminophen overdose. These risks can impact market demand and pricing as healthcare providers and patients become more cautious[1][3].

Patient Assistance Programs

Currently, there are no patient assistance programs specifically for butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine. However, healthcare providers may have information on other programs that could help reduce costs for patients[2][5].

Price Projections

Given the current market dynamics, here are some price projection considerations:

Short-Term Projections

  • Stable Prices: In the short term, prices are likely to remain stable due to the established market presence of this drug. The availability of discount cards and coupons will continue to influence the final cost to the consumer[2][5].

Long-Term Projections

  • Potential Increases: Long-term prices could increase due to several factors:
    • Regulatory Costs: Compliance with REMS and other regulatory requirements may increase production and distribution costs, which could be passed on to consumers.
    • Raw Material Costs: Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials, such as acetaminophen and codeine, could impact the final product price.
    • Market Competition: Changes in market competition, including the introduction of new pain management drugs, could influence pricing strategies[3].

Competitive Landscape

The market for butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine is part of the broader narcotic analgesic combinations drug class. Other drugs in this class, such as aspirin-butanal-caffeine-codeine (Ascomp with Codeine), also compete for market share. The pricing of these alternative formulations can influence the market dynamics of Fioricet with Codeine[5].

Consumer Behavior

Consumer behavior plays a crucial role in the market for this drug. Patients are increasingly seeking cost-effective treatments, which makes discount programs and coupons highly attractive. Additionally, the awareness of safety concerns associated with this medication may lead some patients to explore alternative treatments, potentially affecting demand[2][5].

Key Takeaways

  • Market Demand: Driven by the prevalence of tension headaches and the need for effective pain management.
  • Pricing: Varies widely depending on the pharmacy and availability of discounts.
  • Regulatory Environment: Influenced by REMS and safety concerns.
  • Price Projections: Short-term stability with potential long-term increases due to regulatory and raw material costs.
  • Competitive Landscape: Part of the broader narcotic analgesic combinations drug class with competition from other formulations.

FAQs

What are the active ingredients in butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine?

The active ingredients include butalbital (50 mg), acetaminophen (325 mg), caffeine (40 mg), and codeine phosphate (30 mg)[1].

What are the common uses of butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine?

This drug is primarily used for the management of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches when other non-opioid and non-barbiturate treatments are inadequate[3].

What are the potential risks associated with butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine?

Risks include opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, as well as acute liver failure due to acetaminophen overdose and respiratory depression[1][3].

How can patients reduce the cost of butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine?

Patients can use discount cards, such as those offered by Drugs.com, to save up to 80% or more off the cost of the medication[2][5].

Are there any patient assistance programs available for butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine?

Currently, there are no specific patient assistance programs for this medication, but healthcare providers may have information on other available programs[2][5].

Sources

  1. Fioricet with Codeine C-III (Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Codeine Phosphate) Capsules. FDA.
  2. Acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine/codeine Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance. Drugs.com.
  3. Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Codeine Phosphate Capsules. DailyMed.
  4. Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Codeine Phosphate Capsules. FDA.
  5. Aspirin/butalbital/caffeine/codeine Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance. Drugs.com.
Last updated: 2024-12-31

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