A cost-effectiveness analysis of breath-actuated metered-dose inhalers.
Managed care plans evaluate therapeutic alternatives to identify the most cost-effective medications for asthma. Three hundred one patients with asthma were randomized to receive the beta-agonist pirbuterol from either a manually operated metered dose inhaler (MDI) or a breath-actuated inhaler (BAI). Cost effectiveness was evaluated by the cost of the beta-agonist medication used and patient-reported outcomes. No significant differences between the two groups appeared in baseline or follow-up outcomes, which were assessed by self-reported health status and spirometry. However, patients receiving pirbuterol from BAIs used 23% less than those patients who received the drug from MDIs.
Kelloway
J S
JS
Asthma and Allergy Research Center, Institute for Research and Education, Park Nicollet Clinic, Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA.
Wyatt
R
R
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics*; D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000191:economics; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States