A cost analysis of the prostaglandin analogs.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy, ease of use, and favorable side effect profile has increased the popularity of the prostaglandin analogs for topical treatment of a variety of glaucoma types. We undertook a cost analysis study of all the prostaglandin analogs.


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 analogs.


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 analogs tested. Bimatoprost, latanoprost, and travoprost were essentially the same price, varying in yearly cost to the patient by less than twenty dollars. Bimatoprost had the most expensive bottle price, unoprostone the least expensive. Bimatoprost also had the largest percentage of overfill from labeled volume. Unoprostone had the most monocular treatment days per bottle.


CONCLUSIONS
Cost, in addition to efficacy and side affect profile, should be considered when determining which prostaglandin analog to prescribe to glaucoma patients.
Mick
Andrew B
AB
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA. andrew.mick@med.va.gov
Gonzalez
Serafin
S
Dunbar
Mark T
MT
McSoley
John J
JJ
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000191:economics; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic