The Pharmacoeconomics of Proton Pump Inhibitors Prescribing in Ireland
The Pharmacoeconomics of Proton Pump Inhibitors Prescribing in Ireland
Dara Grennan, Robert F. Cornell, Christopher Crush, Dania Alsammarae 5th Year Medicine
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine cost-saving measures in the treatment of patients with conditions requiring proton pump inhibitor (PPI) maintenance therapy, and to examine factors that contribute to inappropriate PPI prescribing.
Methods: Cost-Minimisation Analysis was used as the method of pharmacoeconomic evaluation for this study, an appropriate method given the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines from July 2000, which concluded that all five PPIs on the market have equal efficacy.
Results: Despite its higher cost, the original PPI omeprazole (Losec®) is still the most frequently prescribed PPI. In PPI maintenance therapy, substitution with any generic form of omeprazole (Losamel, Ulcid, Lopraz, or Losepine) is more cost-effective than using the brand-name omeprazole. Furthermore, in prescribing maintenance therapy for specific indications such as GORD, duodenal ulcer, and NSAID-induced peptic ulcer, rabeprazole (Pariet), lansoprazole (Zoton), or pantoprazole (Protium), respectively, are more cost-effective options compared with brand-name omeprazole.
Conclusion: Substitution with these PPIs would be expected to produce savings of over six million euro per year.
