Express Scripts Slashes Spending on Compounded Drugs

Health plans that used Express Scripts' safeguards against unnecessary use of compounded medications eliminated 95% of spending on compounds, saving $2 billion in 2015 and 2016, according to a new Express Scripts’ report. And the pharmacy benefit manager reported a 95% generic fill rate for pain medications last year. Two brand-name drugs, Lyrica and OxyContin, drove much of the spending for pain meds, the company said. In 2016, spending for hepatitis C medications decreased 34% due to decreased unit costs and utilization. While Viekira Pak and Harvoni remained the top drugs for tr...