Advance Paradigm Lescol and Pravachol switch programs help agents gain market share.
Executive Summary
ADVANCE PARADIGM LESCOL, PRAVACHOL SWITH PROGRAM has helped the two newer cholesterol-lowering agents gain market share at an IPA-model HMO, although Merck's Zocor continues to hold the number one position, according to a poster presentation at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy meeting in Orlando Nov. 1. Advance Paradigm began a test of the switch program in March at a 60,000 patient IPA-model HMO. The market share for Sandoz' Lescol (fluvastatin) increased from 19.5% to 24.9%, while Bristol-Myers Squibb's Pravachol (pravastatin) moved from a 17.9% share to 22.4%. Zocor (simvastatin) saw its market share drop from 40% to 34.6%, while Merck's Mevacor (lovastatin) fell from a 25.7% share to 18.1%.