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The cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel: a review by indication
1Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital & Brown University, Division of General Internal Medicine, 593 Eddy Street, MPB-1, Providence, RI 02903, USA. mschleinitz@lifespan.org.
Insights
Clopidogrel, an antiplatelet medication, is effective for secondary vascular disease prevention and post-cardiovascular event treatment. Its cost-effectiveness depends on indication, patient population, event risk, and aspirin combination.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Health Economics
Background:
- Clopidogrel is a thienopyridine antiplatelet agent.
- It inhibits adenosine diphosphate-dependent platelet activation.
- Proven efficacy in secondary vascular disease prophylaxis and post-event management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel.
- To analyze cost-effectiveness based on indication, patient population, event risk, and aspirin combination.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on clopidogrel cost-effectiveness.
- Focus on four key criteria: indication, population, risk, and aspirin use.
Main Results:
- Cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel is variable.
- Variability is influenced by specific clinical indications.
- Patient population, future event risk, and concomitant aspirin use are critical factors.
Conclusions:
- Clopidogrel's value proposition is context-dependent.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for optimal prescribing and resource allocation.
- Further analysis of cost-effectiveness across diverse clinical scenarios is warranted.
Abstract:
Clopidogrel is a thienopyridine that acts by inhibiting the adenosine diphosphate-dependent activation of platelets. It has proven efficacy in two general categories: long-term secondary prophylaxis in populations with existing vascular disease, and of limited duration following cardiovascular events or procedures. Clopidogrel may be used alone or in combination with aspirin, depending on the indication. The cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel varies with the indication, the population in which it is used, the risk of future events faced by that population and whether it is combined with aspirin. This article will review existing data on the cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel for each indication with a particular focus on these four criteria.
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