Drug Price Trends for CANDESARTAN-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

Average Pharmacy Cost for CANDESARTAN-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
CANDESARTAN-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 32-25 MG TAB	62559-0662-90	1.10897	EACH	2024-12-18
CANDESARTAN-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 16-12.5 MG TB	00378-3001-77	0.91517	EACH	2024-12-18
CANDESARTAN-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 16-12.5 MG TB	33342-0131-10	0.91517	EACH	2024-12-18
CANDESARTAN-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 16-12.5 MG TB	43547-0459-09	0.91517	EACH	2024-12-18

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

Introduction to Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to the class of angiotensin II inhibitors with thiazides, combining the effects of candesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic[2][5].

Market Demand and Growth

The global demand for antihypertensive drugs, including candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, is driven by the increasing prevalence of hypertension. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.13 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension, and this number is expected to rise to 29% by 2025, particularly in economically developing nations[4].

Increasing Prevalence of Hypertension

The rising incidence of hypertension, coupled with the growing geriatric population, significantly boosts the demand for antihypertensive medications. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and coronary artery disease, further fueling the need for effective treatments like candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide[4].

Market Trends

The antihypertensive drugs market is expected to grow due to several factors:

• Increased Awareness and Treatment: Greater awareness about the importance of treating heart diseases and hypertension is driving more people to seek medical care.
• Healthcare Expenditure: Rising healthcare expenditure globally supports the development and use of antihypertensive medications.
• Research and Development: Continuous research and development activities by pharmaceutical companies lead to the launch of new and improved drugs, including combination therapies like candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide[4].

Pricing and Cost Analysis

The cost of candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide varies depending on the dosage, brand, and location.

Generic vs. Brand Name

• Generic Version: The generic version of candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide is significantly cheaper, with a cost of around $145 for a 90-tablet supply of the 16 mg-12.5 mg formulation[2][5].
• Brand Name (Atacand HCT): The brand name version, Atacand HCT, is more expensive, with a cost of approximately $865 for a 90-tablet supply of the same dosage[5].

Dosage and Pricing

Here is a breakdown of the prices for different dosages:

Dosage	Quantity	Price (Generic)	Price (Atacand HCT)
16 mg-12.5 mg	90	$145.44	$864.83
32 mg-12.5 mg	90	$366.82	$940.05
32 mg-25 mg	90	$408.14	$1,064.80

Patient Assistance Programs

For individuals who cannot afford the medication, patient assistance programs (PAPs) and copay cards are available. These programs, often sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, offer discounted or cost-free medicines to eligible individuals, particularly those with low income or those who are uninsured or under-insured[5].

Supply and Availability

The supply of candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide has been stabilized in some regions, such as New Zealand, where Pharmac has funded the medication without restriction since July 2023. This funding ensures that the medication is widely available for those who need it, mitigating previous supply interruptions[1].

Clinical Efficacy and Safety

Clinical Advice

Clinical advisors have supported the use of candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide as an appropriate replacement for other antihypertensive medications, such as quinapril with hydrochlorothiazide, which faced supply interruptions. The combination is recognized for its significant benefit in managing hypertension, although prescribers must be aware of potential adverse effects and interactions with other medications[1].

Side Effects and Interactions

While hydrochlorothiazide may not be the preferred thiazide agent due to potential side effects and interactions (e.g., with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), it remains widely used in combination products due to its availability. Prescribers must carefully manage these risks to ensure safe and effective treatment[1].

Future Market Projections

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Hypertension Prevalence: The growing number of people with hypertension will continue to drive demand for antihypertensive medications.
• Aging Population: The increasing geriatric population will further boost the market.
• Healthcare Expenditure: Rising healthcare spending will support the development and use of these medications[4].

Challenges

• Side Effects: The side effects associated with hydrochlorothiazide, such as interactions with other medications, may hamper market growth.
• Competition: The presence of other antihypertensive medications and combination therapies could impact market share[4].

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth: The antihypertensive drugs market, including candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, is expected to grow due to increasing hypertension prevalence and an aging population.
• Pricing: Generic versions are significantly cheaper than brand-name versions, with various patient assistance programs available.
• Supply: Efforts to stabilize supply, such as Pharmac's funding in New Zealand, ensure wider availability.
• Clinical Efficacy: Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide is clinically effective but requires careful management of potential side effects and interactions.

FAQs

What is candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide used for?

Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure by combining the effects of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (candesartan) and a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide)[2].

How much does candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide cost?

The cost varies, but the generic version can be as low as $145 for a 90-tablet supply of the 16 mg-12.5 mg formulation, while the brand name version (Atacand HCT) can cost around $865 for the same dosage[2][5].

Are there any patient assistance programs available for candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide?

Yes, patient assistance programs and copay cards are available to help individuals who cannot afford the medication. These programs offer discounted or cost-free medicines to eligible individuals[5].

What are the potential side effects of candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide?

The medication can have side effects, including interactions with other medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Prescribers must carefully manage these risks[1].

Is candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide available in all regions?

The availability can vary by region, but efforts like Pharmac's funding in New Zealand ensure that it is widely available in some areas[1].

How does the combination of candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide work?

The combination works by blocking the action of angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor) and increasing urine production to reduce blood pressure[2].

Sources

1. Pharmac: Decision to fund candesartan with hydrochlorothiazide.
2. Drugs.com: Candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance.
3. iHealthcareAnalyst: Antihypertensive Drugs Market and Forecast 2024-2031.
4. Allied Market Research: Hydrochlorothiazide Market Size | Industry Growth, (2021-2030).
5. Drugs.com: Atacand HCT Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance.