Cost analysis of extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride (Oxycontin®) for pain management in patients undergoing arthroplasty, from public and private perspectives in Brazil

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Many patients have severe pain after arthroplasty, which can result in loss of quality of life and considerable financial burden due to the cost of analgesic drugs, interventions and hospitalizations. The extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride is an opioid with similar action to morphine with proven efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate drug and hospitalizations costs for patients undergoing treatment with extended-release oxycodone compared to morphine in a “if necessary” regime in the management of pain post-arthroplasty, from public and private health care systems perspectives in Brazil. METHODS: A decision model was developed to analyze two scenarios. In both, patients in group 1 received extended-release oxycodone and immediate-release opioid. Regarding group 2, in scenario 1, patients received immediate- -release opioid and, in scenario 2, immediate-release opioid and placebo. Costs were obtained from official prices lists. In scenario 1, time horizon was related to a 3-week treatment period and, in scenario 2, determined by the hospitalization period. Discount rates were not applied. Univariate sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate different hospital categories. RESULTS: In scenario 1, from the public perspective, total costs were 1,486 BRL and 1,520 BRL per patient treated in groups 1 and 2, respectively. From the private perspective, total costs were 3,132 BRL and 3,457 BRL per patient treated in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In scenario 2, from the public perspective, total costs were 3,299 BRL and 3,591 BRL per patient treated in groups 1 and 2, respectively. From the private perspective, total costs were 7,197 BRL and 8,181 BRL per patient treated in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In the univariate sensitivity analysis, all evaluated scenarios remained consistent and favorable to the use of extended-release oxycodone. CONCLUSION: By decreasing the length of hospital stay, extended-release oxycodone can result in reduction of total post-arthroplasty pain related costs.