Cost-effectiveness analysis of solifenacin flexible dosing in patients with overactive bladder symptoms in four...

The purpose of the present analysis was to analyze and compare the cost-effectiveness of solifenacin flexible dosing (5-10 mg) with tolterodine 4 mg sustained release (SR) or placebo (assumed to be comparable to no treatment) for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

A decision-analytic model was constructed.

Costs and effects were evaluated for the three treatment options in a one-year timeframe. Costs included were treatment costs, cost of pad use, and patients productivity loss based on data from the Nordic countries.

Results from two randomized controlled trials were used as input data in the cost-effectiveness analysis.

Quality adjusted life years and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

Solifenacin flexible dosing was more effective with respect to reducing OAB symptoms compared to both placebo and tolterodine 4 mg. Treatment with both solifenacin and tolterodine was more costly compared to placebo, but treatment with solifenacin was a less costly alternative compared to tolterodine 4 mg SR. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the conclusions were robust.

Solifenacin flexible dosing was a cost-effective treatment alternative compared to tolterodine 4 mg SR.