DR. SAIRA ZAFAR SHEIKH M.D.
Prescription History 1194928713
Internal Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC

NPI Status: Active since June 10, 2007

Contact Information

6013 FARRINGTON RD STE 200
UNC CHAPEL HILL
CHAPEL HILL, NC
ZIP 27517
Phone: (919) 966-4191

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Prescription History for Informed Healthcare Decisions

Explore the verified Medicare Part D prescription history, volume metrics, and calculated drug costs for DR. SAIRA ZAFAR SHEIKH M.D., an active Internal Medicine specialist practicing in Chapel Hill, NC. Our medical registry currently tracks 14 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 375 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate, which accounts for 87 claims alone.


Baclofen

Generic Formulation: BaclofenSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 24
30-Day Fills 24.0
Days Supply 675
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims38.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills52.1
Peer Average Days Supply1,427
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 36.8% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $394.90 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$16.45

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$30.24

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID derivative that is a specific agonist of GABA-B RECEPTORS. It is used in the treatment of MUSCLE SPASTICITY, especially that due to SPINAL CORD INJURIES. Its therapeutic effects result from actions at spinal and supraspinal sites, generally the reduction of excitatory transmission.

Therapeutic Applications

Baclofen is used to treat muscle spasms caused by certain conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury/disease). It works by helping to relax the muscles.

Benlysta

Generic Formulation: BelimumabSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 14
30-Day Fills 14.0
Days Supply 392
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims21.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills21.9
Peer Average Days Supply614
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 33.3% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $69,846.84 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$4,989.06

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$4,704.05

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used with other medications to treat certain types of lupus. Belimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by decreasing the effect of a certain protein that is increased in people with active lupus. This may help decrease some of the symptoms of lupus.

Bupropion Xl

Generic Formulation: Bupropion HclSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 27
30-Day Fills 53.0
Days Supply 1,590
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims39.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills74.9
Peer Average Days Supply2,224
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 30.8% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $529.37 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$19.61

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$38.65

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Therapeutic Applications

Bupropion is used to treat depression. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. It may work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain.

Cyclobenzaprine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Cyclobenzaprine HclSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 14
30-Day Fills 30.0
Days Supply 900
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims40.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills48.7
Peer Average Days Supply1,249
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 65.0% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $152.48 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$10.89

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$15.49

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Therapeutic Applications

Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy. It works by helping to relax the muscles. This medication is not recommended for use in older adults because they may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.

Duloxetine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Duloxetine HclSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 13.0
Days Supply 390
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims54.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills98.0
Peer Average Days Supply2,893
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 75.9% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $211.95 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$16.30

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$41.45

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A thiophene derivative and selective NEUROTRANSMITTER UPTAKE INHIBITOR for SEROTONIN and NORADRENALINE (SNRI). It is an ANTIDEPRESSIVE AGENT and ANXIOLYTIC, and is also used for the treatment of pain in patients with DIABETES MELLITUS and FIBROMYALGIA.

Therapeutic Applications

Duloxetine is used to treat depression and anxiety. In addition, duloxetine is used to help relieve nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes or ongoing pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic back pain, or fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread pain). Duloxetine may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level, and decrease nervousness. It can also decrease pain due to certain medical conditions. Duloxetine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.

Gabapentin

Generic Formulation: GabapentinSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 48
30-Day Fills 88.5
Days Supply 2,655
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims101.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills159.3
Peer Average Days Supply4,661
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 52.5% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,207.23 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$25.15

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$21.91

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A cyclohexane-gamma-aminobutyric acid derivative that is used for the treatment of PARTIAL SEIZURES; NEURALGIA; and RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME.

Therapeutic Applications

Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.

Humira(Cf) Pen

Generic Formulation: AdalimumabSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 15
30-Day Fills 15.0
Days Supply 420
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims37.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills38.7
Peer Average Days Supply1,085
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 59.5% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $147,879.80 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$9,858.65

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$8,863.90

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to TNF-ALPHA and blocks its interaction with endogenous TNF RECEPTORS to modulate INFLAMMATION. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS; CROHN'S DISEASE and ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

Therapeutic Applications

Adalimumab is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, ankylosing spondylitis). This medication is also used to treat certain skin disorders (such as plaque-type psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage in arthritis as well as red scaly patches in psoriasis. Adalimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as TNF blockers. By reducing joint swelling, this medication helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. Adalimumab is also used to treat certain bowel conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and a certain eye disease (uveitis).

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate

Generic Formulation: Hydroxychloroquine SulfateSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 87
30-Day Fills 195.1
Days Supply 5,853
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims89.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills177.6
Peer Average Days Supply5,270
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $5,462.37 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$62.79

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$69.90

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A chemotherapeutic agent that acts against erythrocytic forms of malarial parasites. Hydroxychloroquine appears to concentrate in food vacuoles of affected protozoa. It inhibits plasmodial heme polymerase. (From Gilman et al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed, p970)

Therapeutic Applications

Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria caused by mosquito bites. The United States Center for Disease Control provides updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before traveling to areas where malaria occurs. This medication is also used to treat certain auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). It belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It can reduce skin problems in lupus and prevent swelling/pain in arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for coronavirus infection, also known as COVID-19, unless you are enrolled in a study. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Leucovorin Calcium

Generic Formulation: Leucovorin CalciumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 19
30-Day Fills 39.3
Days Supply 1,098
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims31.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills60.4
Peer Average Days Supply1,733
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 38.7% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,235.70 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$65.04

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$37.52

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to treat or prevent serious blood cell disorders (such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia) caused by certain drugs (folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, trimethoprim, pyrimethamine). It may also be used with a certain cancer drug (5-fluorouracil) to treat patients with colon cancer. Leucovorin may also be used to treat a certain type of anemia (due to folic acid deficiency) when folic acid cannot be taken by mouth.

Methotrexate

Generic Formulation: Methotrexate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 20
30-Day Fills 37.5
Days Supply 1,113
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims97.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills185.6
Peer Average Days Supply5,433
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 79.4% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $463.00 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$23.15

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$35.39

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

An antineoplastic antimetabolite with immunosuppressant properties. It is an inhibitor of TETRAHYDROFOLATE DEHYDROGENASE and prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolate, necessary for synthesis of thymidylate, an essential component of DNA.

Therapeutic Applications

Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments. It may also be used to control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells and suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.

Orencia Clickject

Generic Formulation: AbataceptSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 14
30-Day Fills 14.0
Days Supply 392
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims26.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills27.7
Peer Average Days Supply781
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 46.2% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $84,327.82 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$6,023.42

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$5,733.95

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A fusion protein immunoconjugate of the extracellular domain of CTLA4 and the Fc domain of human IgG1. It functions as a T-cell co-stimulation blocker that inhibits TNF-ALPHA and prevents the activation of T-LYMPHOCYTES. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's own defense system (immune system) attacks healthy tissue. This leads to swelling in the joints, which causes pain and makes it harder to move. Abatacept works by weakening your immune system. This effect helps to slow down joint damage and reduce joint pain and swelling so you can move better. This medication is also used to treat other types of arthritis (such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis).

Oxycodone Hcl

Generic Formulation: Oxycodone HclSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 12
30-Day Fills 12.0
Days Supply 360
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims69.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills69.2
Peer Average Days Supply1,512
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 82.6% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $108.93 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$9.08

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$26.92

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A semisynthetic derivative of CODEINE.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.

Prednisone

Generic Formulation: PrednisoneSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 46
30-Day Fills 77.1
Days Supply 2,234
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims51.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills59.9
Peer Average Days Supply992
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $515.43 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.21

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.87

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A synthetic anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid derived from CORTISONE. It is biologically inert and converted to PREDNISOLONE in the liver.

Therapeutic Applications

Prednisone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, severe allergies, skin diseases, cancer, eye problems, and immune system disorders. Prednisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.

Promethazine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Promethazine HclSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 22
30-Day Fills 22.0
Days Supply 660
NC State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims27.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills28.4
Peer Average Days Supply448
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across NC. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $276.72 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$12.58

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$12.39

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Therapeutic Applications

See also Warning section. Promethazine is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting related to certain conditions (such as motion sickness, or before/after surgery). It is also used to treat allergy symptoms such as rash, itching, and runny nose. It may be used to help you feel sleepy/relaxed before and after surgery or to help certain opioid pain relievers (such as meperidine) work better. The suppository form is used when medications cannot be taken by mouth. Promethazine is an antihistamine and works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its other effects (such as anti-nausea, calming, pain relief) may work by affecting other natural substances (such as acetylcholine) and by acting directly on certain parts of the brain.

Dataset Methodology & CMS Source Information

This analytical profile maps public infrastructure records sourced directly from official **Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)** public data releases. The statistics above track documented pharmaceutical treatment trends assigned to beneficiaries specifically under federal public programs. Evaluating the prescriptive footprints of clinical practitioners like DR. SAIRA ZAFAR SHEIKH M.D. provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Chapel Hill, NC.

Key Learning Objectives for this Profile:

  • Prescribing Frequencies: Track and evaluate the volume metrics of specific brand-name and generic medical formulas chosen by this provider over time.
  • Clinical Focus Areas: Identify how the provider distributes therapeutic selections across medical care options to gain insight into their true day-to-day **Internal Medicine** practice concentrations.
  • Program Cost Awareness: Review the calculated total systemic drug costs and raw transactional volumes linked to these orders to better anticipate network insurance coverage structures.
  • Patient-Centered Evaluation: Cross-reference localized regional care comparisons to align practitioner habits directly with your proactive health maintenance goals.

Data Scope Exclusion & Limitations: The data elements presented above explicitly reflect prescription orders processed for Medicare beneficiaries during the year 2023. This informational profile does not aggregate prescription data for individuals utilizing private commercial health plans, state Medicaid coverage, or self-pay options. However, because medical decision-making remains highly consistent across clinical settings, this public registry provides a reliable proxy for understanding the general prescribing preferences and pharmaceutical care approach used by this provider.