Dosage cost analysis in glaucoma management

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Glaucoma Management

Background:

• Chronic open-angle glaucoma requires effective and affordable first-line topical medication.
• Selecting the most cost-effective treatment is crucial for long-term patient management and adherence.
• Understanding medication costs and pharmacy price variations is essential for healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the mean annual costs of commonly prescribed first-line topical medications for chronic open-angle glaucoma.
• To identify statistically significant cost differences among these medications.
• To highlight the variability in medication pricing across different pharmacies.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 40 pharmacies across four cities was conducted.
• The annual cost of therapy for timolol maleate, betaxolol, pilocarpine, dipivefrin, and levobunolol was calculated.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare the mean annual costs.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in mean annual cost was found between timolol maleate, betaxolol, and pilocarpine.
• Dipivefrin and levobunolol were found to be statistically more expensive than the other three agents.
• Substantial price variations for the same medications were observed among different pharmacies.

Conclusions:

• Timolol maleate, betaxolol, and pilocarpine represent equally cost-effective first-line options for chronic open-angle glaucoma management.
• Optometrists should be aware of significant inter-pharmacy price discrepancies to guide patients towards affordable options.
• Informing patients about pharmacy price variations can potentially improve medication adherence and compliance.