Pharmacoeconomic analysis of prostaglandin and prostamide therapy for patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Ronald EP Frenkel¹^,2^,3 , Max Frenkel²^,3 and Allison Toler²^,3

¹Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA

²Eye Research Foundation, Stuart, Florida, USA

³East Florida Eye Institute, Stuart, Florida, USA

author email corresponding author email

BMC Ophthalmology 2007, 7:16doi:10.1186/1471-2415-7-16


Published:	27 September 2007

Abstract

Background

To determine monthly cost and cost effectiveness of bilateral prostaglandin/prostamide therapy for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients taking bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan^®, Allergan, Inc.), latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan^®, Pfizer, Inc.), or travoprost 0.004% (Travatan^®, Alcon Laboratories, Inc.).

Methods

Drops in five new 2.5-mL bottles were counted and then averaged for each drug. Average retail price was determined by surveys of pharmacies. Drop count, average retail price, average wholesale price, and IOP reduction data were used to compute annual cost, and cost effectiveness (annual cost-per-mm Hg of IOP reduction) of the three drugs.

Results

Drops per 2.5-mL bottle averaged 113 for bimatoprost 0.03%, 84 for latanoprost 0.005%, and 83 for travoprost 0.004%. Average retail cost (2005) per bottle was $69.99 for bimatoprost 0.03%, $61.69 for latanoprost 0.005%, and $66.37 for travoprost 0.004%. The monthly retail cost of bilateral therapy was $37.92 for bimatoprost 0.03%, $44.75 for latanoprost 0.005%, and $49.25 for travoprost 0.004%. Cost effectiveness ranges were $57 to $65 per mm Hg reduction in IOP per year for bimatoprost, 0.03%, $67 to $90 per mm Hg for latanoprost 0.005%, and $74 to $84 per mm Hg for travoprost 0.004%.

Conclusion

Bimatoprost 0.03% had the lowest monthly and annual costs and the greatest cost effectiveness for lowering IOP compared with latanoprost 0.005% and travoprost 0.004%.