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Abstract #8073 Published in IGR 4-3
A cost analysis of the prostaglandin analogs
Mick AB; Gonzalez S; Dunbar MT; McSoley JOptometry 2002; 73: 614-619
BACKGROUND: The efficacy, ease of use, and favorable side effect profile has increased the popularity of the prostaglandin analogues for topical treatment of a variety of glaucoma types. The authors undertook a cost analysis study of all the prostaglandin analogues. METHODS: Mean number of drops per bottle, mean drop volume, total bottle volume, percent overfill per bottle, mean national bottle cost, daily cost of therapy, and yearly cost of therapy were calculated for all four of the prostaglandin analogues. RESULTS: Yearly cost of monocular therapy was $230.68 for latanoprost, $219.37 for travoprost, $211.34 for bimatoprost, and $178.85 for unoprostone. Unoprostone was by far the least expensive of the prostaglandin analogues tested. Bimatoprost, latanoprost, and travoprost were essentially the same price, varying in yearly cost to the patient by less than $20.00. Bimatoprost had the most expensive bottle price, unoprostone the least expensive. Bimatoprost also had the largest percentage of overfill from labelled volume. Unoprostone had the most monocular treatment days per bottle. CONCLUSION: Cost, in addition to efficacy and side-effect profile, should be considered when determining which prostaglandin analog to prescribe to glaucoma patients.
A.B. Mick, MD, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL, USA. andrew.mick@med.va.gov
Classification:
11.4 Prostaglandins (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
14 Costing studies; pharmacoeconomics
