Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Supervisor

Dr. Amardeep Thind

Abstract

Objectives: To assess: i) utilization of generic anti-glaucoma drugs in Canada; ii) the impact of the 2010 Ontario Drug System Reform on generic anti-glaucoma drug usage in Ontario.

Methods: Monthly drug insurance cost and claims from January 2001 to January 2013 were used as proxies for drug utilization. Evaluation of the impact of the 2010 reform was conducted using interrupted time series analysis with ARIMA models.

Results: Generic antiglaucoma medication utilization increased in Ontario during Quarter 3, 2006. Increases in utilization across study provinces were observed in Quarter 4, 2011. The 2010 reform was not associated with changes in generic drug utilization.

Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrated that introduction of new generic equivalents increases in the utilization of generics drugs. Lowering the price of generic medications did not lead to a change in the utilization. Alternative strategies should be implemented to increase generic drug use in glaucoma treatment.

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