See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is an antibiotic that has been used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and diabetic foot infections [1]. However, its high cost can significantly impact antibiotic choice, potentially leading to the underuse of this important medication.

The cost of tigecycline can vary depending on several factors, such as the dosage, the duration of treatment, and the location where it is being administered. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, tigecycline is a brand-name drug that has been off-patent since 2019, which means that generic versions of the drug are now available [2]. However, despite the availability of generics, tigecycline can still be expensive, particularly when compared to other antibiotics.

The high cost of tigecycline can have several consequences. First, it can lead to underuse of the drug, as healthcare providers may be reluctant to prescribe it due to concerns about cost [3]. This can be particularly problematic in cases where tigecycline is the most effective treatment option, as delaying or avoiding its use can lead to worse patient outcomes.

Second, the high cost of tigecycline can contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are expensive, patients may not complete their full course of treatment, which can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance [4]. Additionally, the high cost of tigecycline may lead to the overuse of other, less effective antibiotics, which can also contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.

Finally, the high cost of tigecycline can have broader implications for healthcare systems and society as a whole. Expensive antibiotics can drive up healthcare costs, which can lead to higher insurance premiums and taxes. Moreover, the underuse of effective antibiotics can lead to longer hospital stays, which can also increase healthcare costs.

In summary, the high cost of tigecycline can significantly impact antibiotic choice, potentially leading to the underuse of this important medication. The high cost of tigecycline can have several consequences, including the underuse of the drug, the development of antibiotic resistance, and higher healthcare costs.

Sources:

1. Tigecycline. (2021). Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532955/>
2. Tigecycline. (2022). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>
3. Charani, E., Holmes, A., & Brown, E. (2018). The impact of drug costs on antibiotic prescribing. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 73(suppl_1), i15-i21.
4. Ventola, C. L. (2015). The antibiotic resistance crisis: part 1: causes and threats. P&T, 40(4), 277-283.