Drug Price Trends for ERRIN

Average Pharmacy Cost for ERRIN

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

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
ERRIN 0.35 MG TABLET	51862-0886-03	0.09016	EACH	2025-03-19
ERRIN 0.35 MG TABLET	75907-0075-32	0.09016	EACH	2025-03-19
ERRIN 0.35 MG TABLET	75907-0075-28	0.09016	EACH	2025-03-19
ERRIN 0.35 MG TABLET	51862-0886-01	0.09016	EACH	2025-03-19
ERRIN 0.35 MG TABLET	51862-0886-03	0.08614	EACH	2025-02-19

Market Analysis and Price Projections for ERRIN

Introduction to ERRIN

ERRIN, a progestin-only oral contraceptive, is used to prevent conception through several mechanisms, including suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the endometrium[1][4].

Market Context

Current Market Trends

The pharmaceutical market is experiencing significant changes, particularly in the realm of prescription drug spending. Recent forecasts indicate that retail prescription drug spending per capita is expected to moderate in the next decade, following a period of accelerated growth in 2021[5].

Drug Price Inflation

According to Vizient's summer Pharmacy Market Outlook, the overall drug price inflation rate for pharmaceuticals in 2025 is projected to be 3.81%. This inflation is driven by factors such as expanding indications for previously approved medications and the introduction of high-cost cell and gene therapies[2].

Mechanism and Pharmacokinetics of ERRIN

Mode of Action

ERRIN works by suppressing ovulation in approximately half of users, thickening the cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration, lowering midcycle LH and FSH peaks, slowing the movement of the ovum through the fallopian tubes, and altering the endometrium[1][4].

Pharmacokinetics

Serum progestin levels from ERRIN peak about two hours after oral administration, followed by rapid distribution and elimination. By 24 hours after ingestion, serum levels are near baseline, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to the dosing schedule[1][4].

Pricing and Cost Considerations

General Pricing Trends

The prices of pharmaceuticals, including contraceptives like ERRIN, are influenced by broader market trends. The Inflation Reduction Act, for instance, has introduced provisions aimed at reducing out-of-pocket prescription drug spending for Medicare beneficiaries. While these provisions do not directly affect ERRIN, they indicate a shift towards more managed and potentially cost-contained pharmaceutical markets[5].

Specific Pricing Projections

Given the general trend of moderate drug price inflation, it is reasonable to expect that the price of ERRIN could increase, albeit moderately. The projected 3.81% drug price inflation rate for 2025 suggests that ERRIN's price might rise in line with this overall trend[2].

Market Impact and Feasibility

Policy Impact on Drug Prices

Experts have analyzed various policy options to lower specialty drug costs, but these policies are generally considered to have uncertain or limited impact on the prices of non-specialty drugs like ERRIN. Policies such as capping monthly out-of-pocket costs or negotiating drug prices are more focused on high-cost medications rather than generic or non-specialty drugs[3].

Consumer and Provider Perspectives

For consumers, the cost of ERRIN remains a significant factor in its adoption. Any increase in price could affect demand, especially if alternative contraceptive methods become more cost-competitive. For providers, managing the cost of prescription drugs, including ERRIN, is crucial in maintaining patient adherence and overall healthcare outcomes.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Clinical Considerations

While pricing is a critical factor, the clinical profile of ERRIN also influences its market position. Common adverse reactions include menstrual irregularity, which is the most frequently reported side effect. These side effects can impact patient compliance and, by extension, the drug's market performance[4].

Competitive Landscape

Market Competition

The contraceptive market is competitive, with various options available, including other progestin-only pills, combined oral contraceptives, and non-pharmaceutical methods. The pricing of ERRIN relative to these alternatives will be a key factor in its market share.

Regulatory Environment

Impact of Legislation

Legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, while primarily aimed at Medicare and high-cost drugs, sets a precedent for managed pharmaceutical pricing. This could have indirect effects on the pricing strategies of pharmaceutical companies, including those producing ERRIN[5].

Key Takeaways

• Pricing Trends: ERRIN's price is likely to increase moderately in line with the projected 3.81% drug price inflation rate for 2025.
• Market Context: The pharmaceutical market is experiencing moderation in spending growth, with significant changes driven by legislative and market factors.
• Clinical Profile: ERRIN's effectiveness and side effect profile are crucial in maintaining its market position.
• Regulatory Impact: Legislation aimed at managing pharmaceutical costs could have indirect effects on the pricing of non-specialty drugs like ERRIN.

FAQs

Q: How does ERRIN prevent conception?

ERRIN prevents conception by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, lowering midcycle LH and FSH peaks, slowing the movement of the ovum through the fallopian tubes, and altering the endometrium[1][4].

Q: What is the projected drug price inflation rate for 2025?

The projected drug price inflation rate for 2025 is 3.81% according to Vizient's summer Pharmacy Market Outlook[2].

Q: How does the Inflation Reduction Act impact prescription drug spending?

The Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions such as capping insulin cost-sharing, requiring rebates for price increases above inflation, capping Medicare Part D out-of-pocket spending, and negotiating prices for high-spend drugs. These provisions are expected to reduce out-of-pocket spending and aggregate drug costs[5].

Q: What are the common adverse reactions to ERRIN?

The most frequently reported side effect of ERRIN is menstrual irregularity[4].

Q: How does the pharmacokinetics of ERRIN affect its use?

ERRIN requires strict adherence to its dosing schedule due to its rapid distribution and elimination, with serum levels returning to near baseline within 24 hours of ingestion[1][4].

Sources:

1. Drugs.com: Errin: Package Insert / Prescribing Information.
2. Vizient Inc.: Vizient projects drug price inflation at 3.81%.
3. Health Affairs Scholar: Assessing the feasibility and likelihood of policy options to lower specialty drug costs.
4. Medthority: ERRIN NORETHINDRONE .35 mg/1 Proficient Rx LP.
5. Health System Tracker: What are the recent and forecasted trends in prescription drug spending?