Comparison of annual cost between brand and generic ocular beta-adrenergic blockers.

We conducted a study of the annual cost of various ophthalmic products used in Japan for treating glaucoma including six of brands and generic ocular beta-adrenergic blockers (38 products). The total number of drops in one bottle of each solution was counted drop by drop. The cost per drop was calculated by dividing the government-controlled standard prices by the total number of drops in one bottle. The annual cost of ophthalmic solution was calculated by multiplying the cost per drop by the number of drops typically used per day. The total number of drops of the ophthalmic solutions in one bottle ranged from 108 to 168. The yearly cost of the beta-adrenergic blockers studied ranged widely, from yen 5392 to yen 27236. Differences in the total number of drops and the usage effect on the annual cost of ophthalmic solutions were found. The annual cost depended on not only the price of the products but also on the total number of drops in one bottle and the usage. Annual cost data may be helpful in selecting ophthalmic products for treating glaucoma in Japan.