抄録
In order to elucidate the cost-effectiveness of various ophthalmic solutions used for the treatment of glaucoma, we compared the daily price for solutions resulting in a 1-mmHg reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. The IOP reduction achieved by each ophthalmic solution was obtained from the literature and standardized to the reduction achieved by 0.5% timolol maleate. We applied these values to a model patient with a baseline IOP of 24 mmHg, who showed a 20% reduction (4.8 mmHg) after treatment with 0.5% timolol maleate, and calculated an IOP reduction estimate for each product. The total number of drops per bottle, and the National Health Insurance (NHI) prices of the products were used to calculate the daily price of the ophthalmic solutions. The daily price of solutions resulting in 1-mmHg IOP reduction ranged from 6.7 to 17.0 yen. Further, the daily price distribution was notably different from that of the NHI prices per bottle. The approach used in the current study could be applied to generic products if the clinical data and actual products were obtained, and should be a part of routine glaucoma management.
