An employer-based cost-benefit analysis of a novel pharmacotherapy agent for smoking cessation.
BACKGROUND
An employer-based cost-benefit analysis for varenicline versus bupropion was conducted using clinical outcomes from a recently published trial.


METHODS
A decision tree model was developed based on the net benefit of treatment to produce a nonsmoker at 1 year. Sensitivity analyses were conducted based on quit rates with placebo and varenicline and the cost of varenicline.


RESULTS
Estimated 12-month employer cost savings per non-smoking employee were $540.60 for varenicline, $269.80 for bupropion SR generic, $150.80 for bupropion SR brand, and $81.80 for placebo. Varenicline was more cost beneficial than placebo, which had quit rates of 16.9% or less. The quit rate with varenicline would have to be <or=16.9% to lose cost benefit over bupropion SR generic.


CONCLUSIONS
The economic benefit of varenicline is improved over bupropion, despite the increased initial cost of varenicline.
Jackson
Kenneth C
KC
Pharmacotherapy Outcomes Research Center, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
Nahoopii
Robert
R
Said
Qayyim
Q
Dirani
Riad
R
Brixner
Diana
D
D000041:Absenteeism; D001552:Benzazepines / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016642:Bupropion / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017046:Cost Savings / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003663:Decision Trees; D017049:Employer Health Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee; D006801:Humans; D008283:Maintenance; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000187:drug effects; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D000068580:Varenicline
D001552:Benzazepines; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; D011810:Quinoxalines; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D016642:Bupropion; D000068580:Varenicline