Journal of Regional Section of Serbian Medical Association in Zajecar

Year 2007     Volumen 32     Number 1
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UDK: 615.2.032 ISSN 0350-2899, 32(2007) 1 p. 5-10
   
Original paper

Breaking of tablets as a cost-saving strategy

Ivan Stanković (1) , Milica Pešić (2) , Marija Lalić (1)
(1) Zdravstveni centar Vranje, (2) Apotekarska ustanova Vranje

  
 

 

  
  Summary:
The practice of dividing tablets is used to improve a dosage regimen. For some drugs the price of tablets with different strength is nearly the same and therefore the important cost reduction could be achieved by tablet division. The aim of the study is to estimate current tablet-breaking practice and to identify the list of drugs registered in Serbia which are appropriate for cost-reduction splitting according to some specific criteria. The research included prescriptions issued in the Health Care Centre in Vranje in the period 06/02/2006 to 11/02/2006 and used in the local pharmacy "Zdravlje 2". Every third tablet prescription (35.11%) had a signature with splitting directions. Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and benzodiazepines were drugs most frequently prescribed for splitting.
Having browsed the list of registered drugs in Serbia, we identified a list of medications that were appropriate for splitting with cost-saving effects. The obtained list consisted of 31 drugs that could be split with cost reduction of at least 20%. In the list of drugs with the highest monthly turnover in the pharmacy where the research was made, 12 out of 20 drugs were appropriate for splitting, which justified the objective of this research. Pills splitting could be significant cost-reduction strategy if observant to contraindications so as not to compromise patients’ health and drug efficiency.
Key words: tablets, breaking, cost-savings

Napomena: kompletan tekst rada na srpskom jeziku
Note: full text in Serbian		  
     
  Corresponding Address:
Ivan Stanković
ul. Narodnog heroja 36, 17000 Vranje, Serbia
email: ivanstankovic@fastmail.fm

Paper received: 30.3.2006.
Paper accepted: 11.2.2007.
Published online: 8.5.2007.		  
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