Splitting the Difference

Photo: Martin Vloet

Cutting cholesterol-lowering pills in half could slice a hefty amount off of America’s prescription drug costs without interfering with cholesterol control, according to a study led by U-M pharmacist Hae Mi Choe.

Many medicines are manufactured in tablet formulations that contain different doses of the active ingredient, but the wholesale cost of half of a high-dose pill usually is much lower than the cost of a whole low-dose pill. While only some types of pills can be split effectively, the practice could be used by millions of Americans — including many who take popular cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins.

The findings have already had an impact on the prescription drug plan for U-M employees and retirees. In just the first year, a new pill-splitting program saved the University $195,000, and saved individuals more than $25,000 in co-pays.

—Kara Gavin

For an expanded version of the story:
www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2007/split.htm