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The Budget Impact of Hepatitis C Treatment in Ireland 2001-2012

J Kieran, K Bennett, M Coghlan

    Irish Medical Journal
    |July 18, 2015
    PubMed

    Insights

    Over €27 million was spent on Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment in Ireland between 2000-2012, with 2320 patients treated. New antiviral agents will increase costs but reduce adverse event management expenses.

    Area of Science:

    • Hepatology
    • Public Health
    • Health Economics

    Background:

    • Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) affects an estimated 20,000-50,000 individuals in Ireland.
    • There is a lack of published data on the number of HCV patients treated, their demographics, and associated treatment costs in Ireland.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the number of patients treated for HCV in Ireland between 2000-2012.
    • To analyze the cost of HCV treatment during this period.
    • To assess the budget impact of HCV treatment in Ireland.

    Main Methods:

    • Prescription data for HCV treatment from 2000-2012 were obtained from the High-Tech Drug Scheme.
    • Pharmacy records from St. James Hospital's Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Diseases department were analyzed.
    • Patient demographics and treatment costs were extracted and analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • A total of 2320 patients were initiated on HCV treatment.
    • Over €27 million was expended on HCV treatment from 2000-2012.
    • This included €25.5 million for antiviral therapy and €2 million for managing adverse effects with haematological growth factors.

    Conclusions:

    • HCV treatment has had a significant budget impact in Ireland.
    • Future HCV treatments with new agents are expected to increase overall budget impact.
    • However, newer agents may reduce the expenditure on managing adverse events.

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