Medication Adherence Is Higher with Generic Statins Than with Brand-Name Statins

Many factors affect medication adherence, including out-of-pocket costs. In a study funded by a large generic-drug manufacturer, researchers evaluated adherence and clinical outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries in whom generic statins (lovastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin) or their brand-name equivalents were initiated between 2006 and 2008. Adherence and outcomes were calculated using linked medical and pharmacy claims data.

Analysis involved about 90,000 patients, 93% of whom had initiated generic statins. Mean copayments were US$10 for generic statins and $48 for the brand-name versions. Adherence was higher among generic statin users (77% vs. 71%), and, after adjustment for potentially confounding variables, the rate of the composite…