DRUGS ON WHICH CMS SPENT THE MOST IN 2021
1. Eliquis (Apixaban):
Indications: Eliquis is an anticoagulant medication designed to lower the risk of stroke and the formation of blood clots in individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.
Mechanism of Action: It inhibits the action of factor Xa, an essential component in the blood clotting cascade, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots.
2. Revlimid (Lenalidomide):
Indications: Revlimid is primarily used to treat multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome.
Mechanism of Action: It has immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic properties, suppressing the growth of cancer cells and supporting the body's immune system in fighting cancer.
3. Xarelto (Rivaroxaban):
Indications: Xarelto is an anticoagulant used to prevent or treat deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and reduce the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation.
Mechanism of Action: Similar to Eliquis, it inhibits factor Xa, disrupting the blood clotting cascade.
4. Trulicity (Dulaglutide):
Indications: Trulicity is prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control.
Mechanism of Action: It belongs to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which stimulate the release of insulin and suppress glucagon secretion, thus lowering blood sugar levels.
5. Januvia (Sitagliptin):
Indications: Januvia is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Mechanism of Action: It works by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4, increasing the levels of incretin hormones and enhancing insulin release while reducing glucagon secretion.
6. Humira (Adalimumab):
Indications: Humira is a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor indicated for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis.
Mechanism of Action: It binds to TNF-alpha, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and inhibits its effects, reducing inflammation.
7. Jardiance (Empagliflozin):
Indications: Jardiance is prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes.
Mechanism of Action: It is an SGLT2 inhibitor, which reduces glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing glucose excretion and lowering blood sugar levels.
8. Imbruvica (Ibrutinib):
Indications: Imbruvica treats certain types of blood cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma.
Mechanism of Action: It is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor that interferes with the growth and survival of cancer cells.
9. Lantus Solostar (Insulin Glargine):
Indications: Lantus Solostar is a long-acting insulin used to control high blood sugar in individuals with diabetes.
Mechanism of Action: It mimics the effects of natural insulin, helping the body regulate glucose levels over an extended period.
10. Ozempic (Semaglutide):
Indications: Ozempic is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes.
Mechanism of Action: It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion, improving blood sugar control.
11. Xtandi (Enzalutamide):
Indications: Xtandi treats prostate cancer that has spread or recurred.
Mechanism of Action: It inhibits the binding of androgens (male hormones) to receptors in cancer cells, slowing cancer growth.
12. Trelegy Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate/Umeclidinium/Vilanterol):
Indications: Trelegy Ellipta is an inhaler medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Mechanism of Action: It combines three medications to reduce airway inflammation, relax airway muscles, and improve lung function.
13. Biktarvy (Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide):
Indications: Biktarvy is an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV-1 infection.
Mechanism of Action: It inhibits HIV replication by blocking the activity of HIV integrase and reverse transcriptase enzymes.
14. Myrbetriq (Mirabegron):
Indications: Myrbetriq is prescribed to treat overactive bladder, reducing urinary urgency and frequency.
Mechanism of Action: It relaxes the bladder muscle, allowing it to hold more urine and reducing symptoms of overactive bladder.
15. Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol):
Indications: Symbicort is an inhaler used to manage asthma and COPD.
Mechanism of Action: It combines a corticosteroid (budesonide) to reduce inflammation with a long-acting bronchodilator (formoterol) to open airways.
16. Ibrance (Palbociclib):
Indications: Ibrance is combined with other drugs to treat certain types of breast cancer.
Mechanism of Action: It hinders cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which results in a deceleration of the advancement of cancer cells through the cell cycle.
17. Novolog Flexpen (Insulin Aspart):
Indications: Novolog Flexpen is a rapid-acting insulin that controls blood sugar in individuals with diabetes.
Mechanism of Action: It works like natural insulin, helping the body process glucose quickly after meals.
18. Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan):
Indications: Entresto is prescribed for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Mechanism of Action: It combines a neprilysin inhibitor (sacubitril) with an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan) to improve heart function and reduce symptoms.
19. Restasis (Cyclosporine):
Indications: Restasis is used to treat chronic dry eye disease.
Mechanism of Action: It suppresses the immune system in the eye, reducing inflammation and increasing tear production.
20. Pomalyst (Pomalidomide):
Indications: Pomalyst is used to treat multiple myeloma.
Mechanism of Action: It has immunomodulatory properties and works against cancer cells, inhibiting their growth.
21. Stelara (Ustekinumab):
Indications: Stelara treats conditions like psoriasis and Crohn's disease.
Mechanism of Action: It targets specific inflammation-related cytokines, reducing immune system activity.
22. Enbrel Sureclick (Etanercept):
Indications: Enbrel is used for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Mechanism of Action: It binds to TNF-alpha, reducing inflammation.
23. Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol):
Indications: Breo Ellipta is an inhaler for treating asthma and COPD.
Mechanism of Action: It combines a corticosteroid (fluticasone) with a long-acting bronchodilator (vilanterol).
24. Invega Sustenna (Paliperidone Palmitate):
Indications: Invega Sustenna is an injectable antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia.
Mechanism of Action: It acts on dopamine and serotonin receptors, helping to control symptoms of psychosis.
25. Ofev (Nintedanib):
Indications: Ofev is prescribed for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Mechanism of Action: It inhibits specific pathways involved in the progression of lung fibrosis.