Cost effectiveness of the newer atypical antipsychotics: a review of the pharmacoeconomic research evidence.
A comprehensive evaluation of atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia involves documentation of clinical effectiveness, quality of life and medical cost outcomes. The results of pharmacoeconomic studies assist psychiatrists, and other healthcare decision-makers, in identifying pharmacotherapies that provide the greatest benefit to patients at the most acceptable cost. The cost-effectiveness of the newer atypical antipsychotics has been examined using clinical decision-modeling studies and randomized clinical trials. The research evidence suggests that clozapine is a cost-effective treatment for neuroleptic refractory schizophrenia. Olanzapine and risperidone may be cost-neutral or, at best, slightly cost-saving compared with conventional antipsychotics, although they do improve clinical symptoms and quality of life outcomes. There is insufficient published data on pharmacoeconomic outcomes for sertindole, quetiapine and ziprasidone to make any conclusions about their cost-effectiveness in treating schizophrenia.
Revicki
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Center for Health Outcomes Research, MEDTAP International Inc, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. Revicki@Medtap.com
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003024:Clozapine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D007093:Imidazoles; D007211:Indoles; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D010890:Pirenzepine; C066304:sertindole; D003024:Clozapine; D018967:Risperidone; D000077152:Olanzapine