Biologic treatments for psoriasis: the cost of alternative methods of dispensation of medication in Spain

Abstract

ObjectiveHospital pharmacy services have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study is to determine the economic consequences of replacing hospital pharmacy dispensation with other dispensing methods in the context of biological treatments for psoriasis in Spain. MethodMultiple dispensation scenarios were evaluated, combining different dispensation frequencies and sites, and telepharmacy follow-up intervals. Self-injectable biological medicines for psoriasis (interleukin and tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors) were included. All costs (in 2020 euros) were considered from the perspective of the National Health System. ResultsThe annual cost of hospital pharmacy-based dispensations every 4 weeks combined with telepharmacy monitoring at each administration ranged from €194.9 to €2,088.0 per patient. Across the different simulated scenarios, biological medicines associated with the lowest cost were those administered less frequently (every 12 weeks). ConclusionsIn the post-COVID-19 era, new models of hospital pharmaceutical care that include changes in drug dispensation and telepharmacy strategies will have economic consequences for the National Health System that merit consideration.