Variation in prescription contraceptive pricing across Florida ZIP code income groups.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to explore average monthly cost of commonly prescribed oral and transvaginal contraceptives, across ZIP code income groups, in Florida.


METHODS
In March, 2011, the MyFloridarx.com database was searched to assess monthly prices of seven commonly prescribed contraceptives charged by Florida pharmacies.


RESULTS
With the exception of TNRG/EE 35 (χ(2)[4, N=401]=18.72, p=.00), monthly costs of contraceptives did not vary significantly across Florida ZIP code median income quintile groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, while there was little variability in retail pharmacy prices in Florida for seven commonly prescribed contraceptives, monthly costs of individual contraceptives varied widely.


CONCLUSIONS
This report found little variability, across ZIP codes, in retail pharmacy prices in Florida for seven commonly prescribed contraceptives, but the monthly costs of individual contraceptives varied widely. It is paramount that clinicians consider costs when discussing contraceptive options with their patients.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, TN 37920. Electronic address: nzite@mc.utmck.edu.
Nikki B
NB
Zite
Audrey D
AD
Barry
Lorraine S
LS
Wallace
D003270:Contraceptive Agents / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005431:Florida; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000191:economics
D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D055553:Prescription Drugs
Out-of-pocket costs; Prescription contraceptives; Price variations