Study: Drug prices continue to increase

Drug makers this week increased list prices for at least 104 different drugs, dosages or package sizes, with the average price increase 13.1%, according to an analysis of select drugs by Rx Savings Solutions, which sells software to help employers and health plans choose the least-expensive medicines. For example, B Braun Medical roughly doubled the price for an injectable electrolyte solution and increased the price for an injectable antibiotic (cefazolin) by 50%, the analysis shows. Since January, list prices have increased for 3,443 different drugs, dosages or package sizes analyzed by the company, with the average increase 10.5%.