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Abstract #3692 Published in IGR 4-2
Cost analysis of glaucoma medications: a three-year review
Vold SD; Riggs WL; Jackimiec JJournal of Glaucoma 2002; 11: 354-358
PURPOSE: To evaluate yearly cost of glaucoma medications at a university-affiliated teaching hospital with its own health maintenance organization from 1998 to 2000. METHODS: The authors retrieved data from the Scott and White prescription claims file for 1484 patients concerning Health Plan glaucoma-medication prescriptions for the years 1998 to 2000. Patient inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) use of a single or fixed-combination topical glaucoma medication during all four quarters of at least one full-year; (2) treatment of both eyes; (3) participation in the Health Plan prescription program; and (4) prescriptions filled at pharmacies participating in the Health Plan prescription program. RESULTS: Over this three-year period, the most costly medication per patient per year was dorzolamide hydrochloride-timolol maleate (Cosopt; Merck, West Point, PA ($470)), followed by betaxolol hydrochloride (Betoptic-S; Alcon, Fort Worth, TX ($370)), latanoprost (Xalatan; Pharmacia and Upjohn, Kalamazoo, MI ($352)), dorzolamide hydrochloride (Trusopt; Merck, West Point, PA ($288)), brimonidine tartrate (Alphagan; Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Irvine, CA ($273)), brinzolamide (Azopt; Alcon, Fort Worth, TX ($243)), timolol maleate 0.5% in a gel-forming solution (Timoptic-XE 0.5%; Merck, West Point, PA ($190)), carteolol hydrochloride (Ocupress; Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Rockville, MD ($183)), generic levobunolol hydrochloride 0.5% ($138), metipranolol (Optipranolol; Bausch and Lomb Pharmaceuticals, Tampa, FL ($135)), and generic timolol maleate 0.5% ($133). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in yearly cost exist among topical glaucoma medications.
Dr. S.D. Vold, Scott and White Clinic, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508, USA. sdvold@swmail.sw.org
Classification:
14 Costing studies; pharmacoeconomics