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Abstract #8078 Published in IGR 4-3
An economic analysis of switching to latanoprost from a beta-blocker or adding brimonidine or latanoprost to a beta-blocker in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Stewart WC; Leech J; Sharpe ED; Kulze J; Ellyn J; Day DGAmerican Journal of Management Care 2002; 8 S240-248
BACKGROUND: In treating patients with ocular hypertension or primary open-angle glaucoma, if a single agent cannot successfully control the pressure, additional medications may be prescribed. The cost of treatment may become expensive, especially with multiple drug therapy. Thus, prescribing techniques that help minimize costs may be beneficial to patients when medically appropriate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in drug and visit costs after switching to latanoprost 0.005% monotherapy (LM) versus adding latanoprost 0.005% once daily (Lβ) or brimonidine 0.2% twice daily (Bβ) in patients uncontrolled on beta-blocker therapy alone. METHODS: This study included 148 consecutive qualified charts of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients within the first year of follow-up after switching from beta-blocker monotherapy to latanoprost or adding latanoprost or brimonidine. RESULTS: The Bβ group demonstrated the highest costs per month, followed by the Lβ group, then the LM group. A trend existed in the Lβ group to a lower pressure than the Bβ or LM groups. A greater mean change in medication per patient per month was seen in the Bβ group compared to the latanoprost treatment groups. Additionally, a greater number of visits per month occurred in the Bβ than in the LM and Lβ groups. The Bβ group also reported significantly more tearing and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that in patients uncontrolled on beta-blocker therapy, switching to latanoprost, when medically appropriate, may provide a further mean reduction in intraocular pressure and save costs compared to adding latanoprost or brimonidine.
Classification:
11.4 Prostaglandins (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
14 Costing studies; pharmacoeconomics
