It is not known how many prescriptions have been written for temozolomide. However, the number of prescription items and associated cost, in terms of net ingredient cost (NCI) for temozolomide dispensed in the community are shown in the following table. This also shows, for the years 2001 to 2005, the estimated costs for use of this drug in hospitals. The data for hospitals have no concept of items or prescriptions, they simply record total usage. Data for 2000 are not available for the full year.
Items dispensed in the community Prescription Cost Analysis Cost of items dispensed in the community (NCI) PCA (£000) Cost of drug used in hospitals (NCI) (£000) 2000 32 20.5 — 2001 7 4.7 2530.6 2002 34 36.1 2874.0 2003 7 3.9 3026.9 2004 6 2.4 3843.4 2005 49 35.1 5900.6 Notes: Columns 2 and 3 are taken from the prescription cost analysis system. Column 4 is taken from the data provided by IMS. Source: IMS HEALTH: Hospital Pharmacy Audit.