advertisement
BACKGROUND: To determine monthly cost and cost effectiveness of bilateral prostaglandin/prostamide therapy for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients taking bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan®, Allergan, Inc.), latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan®, Pfizer, Inc.), or travoprost 0.004% (Travatan®, Alcon Laboratories, Inc.). METHODS: Drops in five new 2.5-mL bottles were counted and then averaged for each drug. Average retail price was determined by surveys of pharmacies. Drop count, average retail price, average wholesale price, and IOP reduction data were used to compute annual cost, and cost effectiveness (annual cost-per-mmHg of IOP reduction) of the three drugs. RESULTS: Drops per 2.5-mL bottle averaged 113 for bimatoprost 0.03%, 84 for latanoprost 0.005%, and 83 for travoprost 0.004%. Average retail cost (2005) per bottle was $69.99 for bimatoprost 0.03%, $61.69 for latanoprost 0.005%, and $66.37 for travoprost 0.004%. The monthly retail cost of bilateral therapy was $37.92 for bimatoprost 0.03%, $44.75 for latanoprost 0.005%, and $49.25 for travoprost 0.004%. Cost effectiveness ranges were $57 to $65 per mmHg reduction in IOP per year for bimatoprost, 0.03%, $67 to $90 per mmHg for latanoprost 0.005%, and $74 to $84 per mmHg for travoprost 0.004%. CONCLUSION: Bimatoprost 0.03% had the lowest monthly and annual costs and the greatest cost effectiveness for lowering IOP compared with latanoprost 0.005% and travoprost 0.004%.
Dr. R.E.P. Frenkel, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. efleye@aol.com
14 Costing studies; pharmacoeconomics
11.4 Prostaglandins (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)