Economic burden of NSAID-induced gastropathy in Sweden.
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal side effects carry a significant cost related to the use of NSAID medications.


METHODS
The economic burden of NSAID-induced gastric side effects is estimated using the cost-of-illness methodology. Costs are calculated using both a prevalence (top-down) approach and an incidence (bottom-up) approach.


RESULTS
Using the top-down approach, the total cost in 1998 of NSAID-induced ulcers was MSEK 329-586, direct costs accounting for 76%-83%. The bottom-up approach gives an estimate of MSEK 320, of which MSEK 290 was direct cost. About one-quarter of total costs for ulcer disease can be attributed to the use of NSAIDs.


CONCLUSIONS
Gastrointestinal side effects carry a significant cost from the use of NSAIDs, costs that are as important as the price of NSAIDs. This should be considered when choice of drug and prophylaxis is being made.
Jönsson
B
B
Centre for Health Economics, Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden. hebj@hhs.se
Haglund
U
U
D000041:Absenteeism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004180:Direct Service Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016527:Drug Costs; D005260:Female; D005756:Gastritis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006296:Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012179:Retirement / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal