Price variation in the most commonly prescribed ear drops in Southern California.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the variability and discrepancies among the most commonly prescribed ear drops sold at pharmacies in southern California.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study evaluating 11 commonly used ear drops to treat otologic disorders.

METHODS: Randomly selected drug stores in three major counties in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego) were included. Mean, range, minimum, and maximum prices for each drug were calculated and analyzed. The median income of pharmacy ZIP code was also cross-referenced.

RESULTS: Data were collected from 108 pharmacies. The mean prices are noted for each of the individual drugs: Cortisporin (brand) 10 mL, $82.70; neomycin, polymyxin B sulfates, and hydrocortisone (Cortisporin-generic) 10 mL, $34.70; ofloxacin (generic) 10 mL, $99.95; sulfacetamide (generic) 15 mL, $40.18; Ciprodex (brand) 7.5 mL, $194.44; Cipro HC (brand) 10 mL, $233.32; Vosol (brand) 15 mL, $120.75; acetic acid (Vosol-generic) 10 mL, $116.55; VosolHC (brand) 10 mL, $204.14; acetic acid/aluminum acetate (Domeboro-generic) 60 mL, $22.91; and Tobradex (brand) 5 mL, $166.47.

CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variability among the prices of ear drops across Southern Californian pharmacies, which can be a financial burden to patients paying out of pocket or with high deductibles. A state-mandated, publically accessible report of drug prices may help decrease variability and cost by promoting competition among pharmacies. Price negotiations by governmental payers may assist in reducing prices. In the treatment of otologic disorders, clinicians can help reduce costs for patients by prescribing generic ear drop medications and cheaper alternatives when clinically appropriate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1780-1784, 2017.