PCV71 Economic Evaluation of Lipid Lowering Therapy in the Secondary Prevention Setting in the Philippines

Abstract

To determine the cost-effectiveness of lipid lowering therapy in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in the Philippines. A cost-utility analysis was performed using Markov modeling in the secondary prevention setting. The models incorporated efficacy of lipid lowering therapy demonstrated in randomized controlled trials and mortality rates obtained from local life tables. Average and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ACERs and ICERs) were obtained for Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, and Gemfibrozil. The costs of the following were included: medications, laboratory examinations, consultation (professional fees) and related expenses and production losses. The costs were expressed in current or nominal prices as of the 1st quarter of 2010 (Philippine peso). Utility was expressed in quality-adjusted life years gained (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were performed using variations in the cost centers, discount rates, starting age and differences in utility weights for stroke. In the analysis using the lower-priced generic counterparts, therapy using 40 mg Simvastatin daily was the most cost-effective option compared to the other therapies, while Pravastatin 40 mg daily was the most cost-effective alternative if the higher-priced innovator drugs were used. In all sensitivity analyses, Gemfibrozil was strongly dominated by the statins. In the secondary prevention setting, Simvastatin or Pravastatin were the most cost-effective options compared to Atorvastatin and Gemfibrozil in the Philippines. Gemfibrozil was strongly dominated by the statins.