The Cost-effectiveness of Analogue Insulin Pens in Comparison with Human Insulin Pens for Controlling Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review Article

Abstract

Context: For many years, the classical (traditional) insulin injection methods have been used. The first insulin pen was made in the 1980s. These types of pens are divided into two categories, namely analogue and vial-human. Analogue insulin pens are similar to human insulin pens in molecular structure and can lead to differences in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.Methods: This was a systematic review conducted by searching Web of Science PubMed, SID, Embase, Scopus, and Magiran databases for articles published from the beginning of 2007 to June 2017. The related studies in the field of health technology and economic assessment were investigated.Results: Twenty studies were included; these studies indicated that there is no reason for the higher risk of rapid-acting insulin analogue pens in comparison with vial (human) and that analogue insulin pens significantly reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Analogue insulin was compared to other existing insulins and was not found cost effectiveness (ICER: 642994$QALY), (ICER: 130865 $ QALY), (ICER: 87932$ QALY), but due to the increased quality of life and patient satisfaction compared to vial insulin pens, this type of pen has been used. Some studies have shown that aspart 30 insulin pens are more cost-effective than other analogues (ICER: 22488$QALY).Conclusions: Although the use of analogue insulin is more expensive for diabetic patients, it is more effective than vial insulin. Thus, insurance companies are recommended to develop special plans for the three vulnerable groups of seniors, children, and pregnant women to provide them with analogue insulin.