Pharmacoeconomic analysis of prostaglandin and prostamide therapy for patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
BACKGROUND
To determine monthly cost and cost effectiveness of bilateral prostaglandin/prostamide therapy for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients taking bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan, Allergan, Inc.), latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan, Pfizer, Inc.), or travoprost 0.004% (Travatan, Alcon Laboratories, Inc.).


METHODS
Drops in five new 2.5-mL bottles were counted and then averaged for each drug. Average retail price was determined by surveys of pharmacies. Drop count, average retail price, average wholesale price, and IOP reduction data were used to compute annual cost, and cost effectiveness (annual cost-per-mm Hg of IOP reduction) of the three drugs.


RESULTS
Drops per 2.5-mL bottle averaged 113 for bimatoprost 0.03%, 84 for latanoprost 0.005%, and 83 for travoprost 0.004%. Average retail cost (2005) per bottle was $69.99 for bimatoprost 0.03%, $61.69 for latanoprost 0.005%, and $66.37 for travoprost 0.004%. The monthly retail cost of bilateral therapy was $37.92 for bimatoprost 0.03%, $44.75 for latanoprost 0.005%, and $49.25 for travoprost 0.004%. Cost effectiveness ranges were $57 to $65 per mm Hg reduction in IOP per year for bimatoprost, 0.03%, $67 to $90 per mm Hg for latanoprost 0.005%, and $74 to $84 per mm Hg for travoprost 0.004%.


CONCLUSIONS
Bimatoprost 0.03% had the lowest monthly and annual costs and the greatest cost effectiveness for lowering IOP compared with latanoprost 0.005% and travoprost 0.004%.
Frenkel
Ronald E P
RE
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. efleye@aol.com
Frenkel
Max
M
Toler
Allison
A
D000577:Amides / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069580:Bimatoprost; D003008:Cloprostenol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D000077338:Latanoprost; D008055:Lipids / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069557:Travoprost
D000577:Amides; D008055:Lipids; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D003008:Cloprostenol; D000077338:Latanoprost; D000069580:Bimatoprost; D000069557:Travoprost