Abstract

IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSING THE COST EFFECTIVENESS OF ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC AGENTS FOR PHARMACOECONOMIC EVALUATION IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Joyson B.S., Merin Sara Jacob, Feba Mathew and Jobin Thomas, Sushilkumar P. L.*

Abstract

A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of 6 months in general medicine IPD of SSIMS & RC. In-patients who were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and receiving treatment specifically with oral hypoglycemic agents were included in the study. Among all oral hypoglycemic agents, the most cost-effective drug or combination in the hospital was identified. A total of 64 patients were enrolled in the study and observed that, Metformin (500mg) was the most commonly prescribed oral hypoglycemic monotherapy and Metformin + Glimepiride (2mg+500mg) was the most commonly prescribed oral hypoglycemic combination therapy. In the study we have found that, Metformin (500mg) is the cost-effective drug among single oral hypoglycemic agents with ACER of 20.68 followed by Gliclazide. Also we have found that, Metformin + Glimepiride (500mg+1mg) is more cost effective in OHA combination therapy with ACER of 78.12. ICER was also calculated and found that Rs.69.9 was extra required when using Gliclazide than Metformin. In most patients, the cost of monthly OHA therapy was relatively high and hence there is a need of rational prescribing which includes more generic drugs so that the therapy is economical for the patients. Development and implementation of formulary or a manual of comparative drug prices in all hospitals has to be made mandatory for the physicians to prescribe generic and cost-effective drugs.

Keywords: Pharmacoeconomic evaluation, Cost-effective analysis, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Oral hypoglycemic agents.