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Press Release
VA Researchers Find Generic Drug
Reduces Pain with Fewer Side Effects
Costs for Patient Care Are Also Lowered
November 18, 2004
DALLAS — Scientists at the Department of Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System in Dallas report that using the generic drug etodolac rather than more expensive, patented medications provided effective pain relief at a lower cost and with fewer side effects. The researchers found that patients taking the arthritis medication etodolac had 60 percent fewer stomach and intestinal complications that those taking more expensive brand-name, prescription pain relievers. They calculate that the VA health care system could save $40 million dollars annually if etodolac were prescribed instead of brand name pain relievers.
The VA-funded study evaluated more than 16,000 veterans who had taken either etodolac or naproxen over a three-year period. Naproxen is a popular brand-name medication used for the treatment of arthritis and pain. "This study expands on previous research and confirms fewer hospitalizations for bleeding or perforated ulcers in patients who take this medication when compared to naproxen," said Dr. Byron Cryer, principal investigator of the study.
The potential for cost savings and increases in gastrointestinal safety has led VA's Pharmacy Benefit Management Strategic Healthcare Group (PBMSHG) to recommend that all patients in the VHA system who were taking Vioxx be considered for etodolac. "This is an example of VA's efforts to use evidence-based medicine to improve health care for veterans with savings to the taxpayer," said Mr. Michael Valentino, chief consultant for PBMSHG.
The researchers emphasize that this study is an example of the VA healthcare system's commitment to research that results in the delivery of high quality health care coupled with cost-effective treatment options.
The study is published this week in the November issue of Gastroenterology and
can also be reviewed online at www2.gastrojournal.org.
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