Moxatag versus Amoxicillin
I was at work this weekend and had a couple come in with 4 prescriptions for Moxatag. The mom said that the whole family had strep throat and the emergency clinic gave them all scripts for Moxatag.
We did not have it in stock. I called three other pharmacies and they did not have it in stock either. Finally, we got a hold of the doctor and changed it to amoxicillin.
What is Moxatag? My first thought when the couple came in with the prescriptions was, “Oh bother, Moxatag –seriously?!” Moxatag is an extended release amoxicillin 775mg. It has been approved to treat strep throat for patients over 12 years old.
Strep throat is usually treated with:
1. Penicillin 500mg – 1 tablet 3 to 4 times a day for 10 days OR
2. Amoxicillin 500mg – 1 capsule 3 times a day for 10 days OR
3. Amoxicillin 875mg – 1 tablet 2 times a day for 10 days
Now, Moxatag 775mg -1 tablet 1 time a day for 10 days may be used too.
So, what is the big deal about the new Moxatag?? You got me! The studies show that Moxatag has been proven to be “as good as” penicillin. Hmmm…yet much, much more expensive!
I called around to some pharmacies for prices of the medications without insurance…
· A 10 day supply of amoxicillin is as little as $4.
· In comparison, a 10 day supply of Moxatag is about $100.
After changing the script to amoxicillin 500mg three times a day, the family of 4 ended up paying about $20 instead of $400!
Why do physicians prescribe Moxatag? There are few reasons:
1. It is only one capsule once daily –so patients will be more likely to finish all the medication and not miss any doses. (This is really the only valid “selling” point).
2. Drug reps visit physicians, give them the quick rundown on the new and “improved” drug (maybe some coupons and free samples) then you come in sick – the new drug is on the top of their heads so they prescribe it.
3. Many patients don’t question why Moxatag is “better” than amoxicillin (at least until they find out about the cost of Moxatag or the hefty copay).
4. Most physicians just do not know how much medications cost. Moxatag is easier for the patient so they prescribe it.
There you have it! You can make an informed decision.
Please leave a comment if you want to discuss this further or have any other questions about antibiotics (I heart talking about antibiotics).
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Comments
Get your facts straight if you are a supposed ‘consumer advocate’. The price WAS $75 retail per prescription and now its a maximum $20 copay. It is in most pharmacies so you must be in South Dakota! Don’t you even know Moxatag is more than a third less dose? You are doing a disservice if you think by ‘saving’ a patient up to $16 on a one time prescription exposing them to more antibiotic then necessary and making it more likely they relapse due to missing a dose. You cheapen the profession.
Hi Annette and Lenny,
Thank you for your comments! Your comments provide a different perspective and help readers make an informed decision.
I agree compliance is a huge issue with all medications. Moxatag would be a good option for patients with compliance issues.
As for the price -I gave the cash price in the article (because the patients were paying cash). Because of your comments on the price, I just called around this evening to local pharmacies (including Target, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens) and rechecked the prices. (By the by, I am in Charlotte, N.C.) The average price was still $100.
However, Moxatag does have a $20 or less voucher available now (the voucher was first released on 7/15/09). Currently, Moxatag manufacturer (MiddleBrook) is giving the voucher to physicians to offer to the their patients. Unfortunately, not all patients get the voucher.
And I think, there is more to think about here then just what the patient has to fork up at the pharmacy — like why is Moxatag giving $20 vouchers -to promote the drug and get it out there in general public so later people demand Moxatag over amoxicillin?? And the patients are not just paying a copay -that expense that the insurance is covering will find its way back to the patient.
So, there you have it -I am still not sold and would personally continue to take regular amoxicillin (I am allergic, so I guess that’s a moot point!)
Thank you again for your input. It is funny because I just had this debate at work amongst the pharmacy people -we were split down the middle 
Take care and stay healthy!
Nova
Lenny and Annette,
Sorry to disagree with you but I have to side with Nova on this one. Although it is extremely important for a patient to be complient on antibiotic therapy, I feel that a product like Moxatag is overkill. A good pharmacist would take the time to explain the difference and counsel on the importance of compliance. Making a follow up call if necessary. It seems like everytime a manufacturer loses a patent to OTC or generic, they come out with a sustained release product or a different isomer. If a patient cannot afford the medication, they stand 0% chance of being compliant.
Hi!
I find it odd that people are concerned about compliance when the choice is an extremely expensive tablet 1 time a day or an extremely inexpensive tablet 2 times a day. Even a child can figure out to ask mommy for his medicine each time the clock says 8:00.
It has been my experience that non compliance is not primarily linked to how many times a day, rather it is linked to how many days. People start to feel better and stop taking the meds…which has nothing to do with the amount of tablets. It is important for their health care professionals to explain the importance of compliance. Empower the patient with knowledge.
Thanks for writing, I really enjoyed that post, wish you would post more