COST EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS OF INHALERS USED FOR ASTHMA MANAGEMENT: AN INTERVENTIONAL APPROACH

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the comparison based on cost effectiveness of inhalers used for asthma managements. The study utilized prospective interventional sampling approach and included Patient above 18 years and below 60 years, outpatients and In-patients, Asthma patients with comorbid conditions and excluded Pregnant and lactating women, unwilling patients, Subjects with communication problem, terminally ill/ ICU patients, Patient having insurance. Results: The incidence of asthma was seen mostly in the patients of age category 48 years and older (30.6%). Most of the patients were from the upper middle category (59%). After giving proper counselling to the patients, it was clearly evident that there will be improvement in adherence (76.4%). The subjects (47.2%, n=68) were found to be highly satisfied with the treatment provided to them by the physician. The PFT values after adherence were found to be 84.118±12.647. The most common inhaler device was found to be (61.1%, n=88). The mean drug cost for Budesonide/Formoterol was found to be less compared to other Rupees 476.095±119.717. Interpretation and Conclusions: When considering the mean cost of corticosteroid inhaler, Fluticasone/ Formoterol was considered as cost effective followed by other alternatives. The corticosteroid inhaler with high effective but consider to be high cost when compared with Budesonide/ Formoterol, Fluticasone, but least cost when compared with Mometasone containing inhaler.