General model for calculation of drug therapy costs

This study developed a general model for the calculation of drug therapy costs for the cost comparison of two or more therapeutically equivalent drugs. In order in identify all the cost of drug therapy, the drug use process was extensively studies and analyzed. A computer program was created to facilitate the calculations of drug therapy cost. Of importance, the study indicated that including only the acquisition cost of drug would provide values for below the actual costs, and that personnel costs can affect total drug costs substantially. Health care providers (pharmacists, physicians, hospital administrators and nurses) should include not only the acquisition cost of the drug, but also other costs in their calculation of drug therapy.