Aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole or clopidogrel compared with aspirin monotherapy for the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke: a cost-effectiveness analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this health economic analysis was to asses the cost-effectiveness of a fixed combination of aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole (ASA/ER-DP) or clopidogrel compared with ASA monotherapy for prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke.


BACKGROUND
The second European Stroke Prevention Study (ASA/ESPS-2), a large-scale clinical trial, demonstrated that a new therapy--a fixed combination of ASA/ER-DP--is more effective than ASA monotherapy for the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke.


METHODS
We used data from ESPS-2 to create a health economic model that estimates the incremental cost and cost-effectiveness of ASA/ER-DP during the 2-year time frame after an ischemic stroke. The model was developed from a payor perspective. The analysis used direct cost estimates for stroke from a Medicare claims database analysis. Efficacy data were obtained from clinical trials to determine the incremental cost per stroke averted for ASA/ER-DP or clopidogrel versus ASA. Sensitivity analyses also were conducted to test the reliability and robustness of the model.


RESULTS
The results of the analysis demonstrated that ASA/ER-DP was cost-effective compared with ASA monotherapy for the secondary prevention of stroke, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $28,472. The model remained robust over a range of assumptions and cost estimates. Clopidogrel, however, was not cost-effective compared with ASA (cost per stroke averted, $161,316) in either the base-case analysis or any of the sensitivity analyses.


CONCLUSIONS
ASA/ER-DP thus offers a cost-effective alternative to ASA monotherapy for the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke.
Shah
H
H
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877-0368,USA.
Gondek
K
K
D001241:Aspirin / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004176:Dipyridamole / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D020521:Stroke / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D004176:Dipyridamole; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D013988:Ticlopidine; D001241:Aspirin