title: A pharmacoeconomic analysis of sertindole in the treatment of schizophrenia in Sweden.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Atypical antipsychotics have similar clinical efficacy in the treatment of schizophrenia; variability in their tolerability represents the discerning factor in treatment choices. Sertindole has a relatively good tolerability profile that favours long-term patient adherence and, therefore, is associated with lower rates of relapse and rehospitalization.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of a 5-year treatment strategy starting with sertindole versus olanzapine, risperidone, aripiprazole or the typical antipsychotic agent, haloperidol.
  
  
  METHODS
  The model was based on published trials and local clinical practice, and considered costs from the perspective of the Swedish National Health Insurance Board.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All atypical agents were clinically superior and more cost-effective than haloperidol with a cost per quality-adjusted life year gained of approximately 490,000 Swedish kroner. Sertindole was associated with the lowest direct and indirect medical costs, driven by its tolerability profile.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sertindole represents a useful alternative to the current treatment options available in Sweden.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The relatively good tolerability profile of sertindole translates into lower costs of schizophrenia management, primarily driven by substantially lower direct and indirect costs. Sertindole appears to be a clinically and cost-effective alternative in the management of patients with schizophrenia in Sweden.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital ,  Uppsala ,  Sweden.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lindström
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eberhard
authors.forename: Björn M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Fors
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sapin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007211:Indoles / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D018803:Models, Economic; D009313:National Health Programs; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010879:Piperazines / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015363:Quinolones / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018967:Risperidone / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013548:Sweden
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D007093:Imidazoles; D007211:Indoles; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000068180:Aripiprazole; C066304:sertindole; D006220:Haloperidol; D018967:Risperidone; D000077152:Olanzapine