AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON COST BURDEN AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTI-DIABETIC MEDICATIONS
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the economic burden and to study the cost effectiveness of antidiabetic medications in patients with Type II DM and their comorbidities.
Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in outpatient department of diabetic clinic for a period of 6 months.
Results: Expenditure incurred by diabetic patients included annual cost of medications, physician visit and laboratory expenses. Among 320 patients, we found that, expenses of patients on metformin therapy included an average annual cost of Rs. 5857/-, direct annual drug cost of Rs.1375.2/-, laboratory cost of Rs. 2010/- and physician visit cost Rs.1800/-. Patients on metformin with Glimepiride therapy included an average annual cost of Rs. 19,952/-, Patients on metformin with voglibose therapy included an average annual cost of Rs.10,200 Rs/-, direct annual drug cost Rs. 8978.4/-. Patients on metformin with teneligliptin therapy included an average annual cost of Rs.13,200/- and direct annual drug cost of Rs. 7757.2/-. Patients on metformin with sitagliptin therapy included an average annual cost of Rs. 15,400/-, with a direct annual drug cost Rs.9096/-. Patients on metformin with mixtard therapy included an average annual cost of Rs.18,500/-, and direct annual drug cost of Rs.11,215.2/-. Patients on mixtard only therapy included an average annual cost of Rs. 23,560/- and direct annual drug cost of Rs.12,720/-.
Conclusion: For the initial treatment of Type II DM, Metformin may be considered as cost effective monotherapy. Glimepiride may be suggestive in terms of cost effective therapy as an add on to Metformin who are inadequately controlled with monotherapy. Clinical pharmacist plays an important role in educating the patients about proper use of medication, screening for drug interactions, explaining monitoring devices and proper management of complications associated with diabetes
Key words: Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Cost effectiveness, Cost burden
