A pharmacoeconomic model comparing two long-acting treatments for overactive bladder

Area of Science:

• Pharmacoeconomics
• Urology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition impacting quality of life.
• Pharmacologic therapy is a cornerstone of OAB management.
• Comparing the cost-effectiveness of different OAB medications is crucial for healthcare providers and payers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate and compare the first-line treatment costs of extended-release tolterodine and controlled-release oxybutynin for OAB.
• To analyze resource consumption and cost impact from a payer's perspective.

Main Methods:

• A decision-analysis model was developed using published literature and expert opinion.
• The model focused on cost-minimization, assuming equal efficacy between treatments.
• Costs were estimated from a payer perspective in 2000 U.S. dollars.

Main Results:

• Estimated 3-month treatment costs were $1,207 for extended-release tolterodine versus $1,283 for controlled-release oxybutynin, a 6.3% difference.
• Direct drug costs represented 19% of total costs for tolterodine and 15% for oxybutynin.
• Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of these findings.

Conclusions:

• Extended-release tolterodine appears to be slightly less costly than controlled-release oxybutynin for initial pharmacologic therapy in OAB patients.
• Further direct comparative studies are needed to definitively establish the most cost-effective treatment approach for OAB.