COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND PHARMACOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TWO DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF DRUGS USED IN OSTEOPOROSIS PATIENTS IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL

The purpose of the study is to update and review the latest developments related to modelling and economic evaluation of osteoporosis and further to present a reference model for the assessment of the cost of the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. To find out the most cost-effective drug combination between the two combinations (Alendronate + Vitamin D supplements & Strontium ranelate +Calcium supplements) in osteoporotic & severe osteoporotic patients and health related quality of life of osteoporotic patients. A prospective observational comparative study (Cost-effectiveness Analysis) was carried out in 60 patients in which 30 each in severe and very severe Osteoporotic groups, who are prescribed with any one of the following combinations (Alendronate+Vitamin D supplements and Strontium ranelate+Calcium supplements) were selected. We have used 3 different parameters such as bone mineral density test (initial and final values), health related quality of life and X-Ray. Comparison of costs and effects were done. The mean of the calcium values of group 1 (Alendronate + Vitamin D supplements) during their initial visit were found to be 2.35 mmol/L and the calcium values are profoundly increased after the final visit to 3.75 mmol/L. This increase highly significant statically at 95% of CI. The mean calcium values for the group II (Strontium ranelate +Calcium supplements) during their initial visit were found to be 2.5 mmol/L and this was also increased up to 3.375 mmol/L which was very low when compared to the increment of group I patients who are prescribed with medication (Alendronate+Vitamin D supplements). The overall cost for group I and group II subjects during the 6 months study period was Rs. 40953/- and 54839/- respectively. Also a questionnaire was taken during initial and final visit to measure the quality of life of Osteoporotic patients. Group I patients was responded more positively than group II patients. The model is flexible and allows for the estimation of the cost-effectiveness over different ranges for a selected number of variables (E.g. Age, fracture risk, cost of intervention), thus suggesting that health care costs would also be affected positively. Results from our study show that Alendronate+Vitamin D supplements and supportive care was effective strategy to treat osteoporosis. The usage of strontium ranelate was also effective but its usage caused many side effects and increase in cost to treat those side effects