Exceptional drugs program diagnostic of the Santa Catarina State Brazil

The aim of this study is evaluat the Exceptional Drugs Program of Santa Catarina State - Brazil, with emphasis on the place of drug distribution, named Cost Centers. A case study was done in 68 Cost Centers. Data related to the costs of acquisition and use were alson assissed. In the period between 1999 and 2004 the Program grew exponentially. In 2004, only ten drugs were responsible for 55% of all costs and corresponded to less than 22% of cases. The analysis of the centers responsables for drug distribuition demonstrated important deficiencies related to infrastructure, attendance and storage conditions. The increase in investment and the high unitary cost of some drugs mean that this service needs to be well organized and structured. There also needs to be drug care follow-up of patients allow for the improvement of the quality of the pharmaceutical assistance and the rationalization of health expenditures.