Cost Benefit Doxazosin proves to be more cost­effective than atenolol

Estimated ratios of cost-effectiveness were compared for doxazosm and for atenolol. both were also compared with non-treatment alternatives. Considered costs included the direct lifetime costs of antihypertensive therapy (drugs physician VISits, cost for treatment of adverse effects, inpatient care, emergency treatment, transport) minus the expected direct and indirect savings resulting from prevention of stroke and coronary heart disease (health care costs, productivity losses resultmg from morbidity, disability and mortal1ty). Results were presented 111

terms of life expectancy Doxazosin was more cost-effective than atenolol

in all age groups and at all systolic BPs of < 220mm Hg For example. the cost/life-year gained 1n a 52-year-old man w1th a systolic BP of 180mm Hg was reduced by 32% if doxazos1n was used instead of atenolol. Sim1lar reductions were ev1dent in both sexes. The lack of adverse effects on lipids with doxazosin was a maJOr factor reducing the risk of stroke and CHD and therefore mcreas1ng cost-effectiveness of the drug. Relative cost-effectiveness was greater in mild to moderate hypertension rather than severe cases. In a 52-year-old .-no.:-: with mild hypertension (systolic BP < 190mm Hg) the cost of doxazosin could be up to 50% greater than that of atenolol and still be more cost -effective.

L1nd;;rel' B Persson U Tr:e cost·effect1. eness a ncv. ant1hypertenstve

cJrug cJo"azos1n Cwrcnt Therapeut1c Rcsearcr, 4.5 738~760. May 1989o,g,

0156-2703/89/0610-0005/0$01.00/0 © AOIS Press INPHARMA · 10 Jun 1989 5