Cost-effectiveness analysis of the prevention of relapse of schizophrenia in the longitudinal study Ziprasidone Extended Use in Schizophrenia (ZEUS).
OBJECTIVE
Estimate the cost-effectiveness of the prevention of relapse of schizophrenia in the ZEUS (Ziprasidone Extended Use in Schizophrenia Study) longitudinal study that compares ziprasidone with the option of not treating.


METHODS
One year of treatment was analyzed using the randomized clinical trial data (ZEUS study) with a deterministic model, having cost-effectiveness analysis type, conducted from the perspective of the National Health Care System (NHCS).


RESULTS
Additional mean yearly cost for worsening avoided with ziprasidone was 186 Pounds for the mean dose, ranging from -556 Pounds (savings) with the 80 mg/day dose and 1,014 Pounds with 160 mg/day, which was always lower than the minimum cost of a relapse (2,830 Pounds), considered as threshold value to establish cost-effectiveness of treatment with ziprasidone.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention of relapse of schizophrenia with long-term ziprasidone is cost-effective in comparison with the option of not treating. Treatment with ziprasidone avoids relapse episodes at a reasonable cost, generating savings for the NHCS.
Bernardo
M
M
Psychiatry Department, Hospital Clinic i Provincial, Barcelona, Spain.
Azanza
J R
JR
Rubio-Terrés
C
C
Rejas
J
J
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010879:Piperazines / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D013844:Thiazoles; C092292:ziprasidone