Rochester, N.Y. –More than $700 million in savings could be realized as 35 brand-name drugs become available in their generic form.
The availability expands to generic brands during 2012 and 2013, according to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS).
Leading the list of new generics that offer the greatest savings opportunities are Plavix® for heart patients, Singulair® for asthma and allergic rhinitis and Cymbalta® for treatment of depression, pain and fibromyalgia. Plavix has about 62,000 users in upstate New York, Singulair about 91,000 users and Cymbalta about 42,000 users.
“The potential annual savings from just these three drugs could total $264 million once the generic forms become widely available,” said Joel Owerbach, Pharm.D., vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Excellus BCBS.
