Pharmacoeconomic comparison of cyclosporine oral solution and capsules after kidney transplantation

We studied 20 kidney transplant recipients who had received Sandimmune cyclosporine A (CSA) capsules for an average of 7.9 months at a mean dose of 312 mg/day. They were switched to CSA liquid in the same dosage for an average of 15.5 months. There was no significant difference between the means for the monthly values of either serum creatinine or whole blood CSA when the periods on capsules and liquid were compared. Fourteen bottles from 4 batches with volume stated as 50 ml CSA actually contained an average of 53.7 ml. Comparison of the amount of capsules and liquid CSA prescribed and the amount dispensed by the pharmacy showed that the amount neglected (prescribed > dispensed) was similar for patients on liquid and capsules. Wastage (prescribed < dispensed) was about 5% greater when on liquid, and as our cost for liquid was 18% less than for capsules, we saved about 13% by use of the liquid.