This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of celecoxib compared with loxoprofen for the treatment of patients with chronic pain (eg. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and low back pain) in Japan.
The Markov model using a 3-month cycle length was used for long-term simulation. The outcomes of treatment with celecoxib or loxoprofen in patients with the chronic pain were simulated throughout their lifetime. Analyses were conducted from a Japanese healthcare payer perspective by calculating direct medical costs. The effectiveness was indicated as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). All costs were expressed at present and annual discount rates of 2% for both costs and health benefits were assumed.
The incremental effectiveness of celecoxib compared with loxoprofen was 0.024QALY while the incremental cost was 73,496 yen, indicating the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was 3,126,463 yen per QALY gained. Celecoxib is considered cost-effective compared with loxoprofen in Japan.

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