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

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Pain is an important and prevalent symptom in cancer patients, 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 moderate to severe pain treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate drug and hospitalizations costs for patients undergoing treatment with extended-release oxycodone compared to morphine in an “if necessary” regime in the management of cancer-related pain, from public and private health care systems perspectives in Brazil. METHODS: A decision model was developed to analyze the following strategies: group 1, 20 mg of extended-release oxycodone; group 2, 10 mg of extended-release oxycodone; and group 3, placebo. Costs were obtained from official price lists. Time horizon was determined through the hospital discharge period. Discount rates were not applied. Efficacy data were obtained from Zhou e Wang, 2012. An univariate sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate different hospital categories. RESULTS: From the public perspective, total costs were 1,103 BRL, 1,071 BRL and 1,214 BRL per patient treated in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. From the private perspective, total costs were 2,372 BRL, 2,367 BRL and 2,759 BRL per patient treated in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In the univariate sensitivity analysis, all evaluated scenarios remained consistent and favorable to the use of extended-release oxycodone in addition to treatment with opioid in an “if necessary” regime. CONCLUSION: By reducing total length of hospital stay, the inclusion of extended-release oxycodone can lead to reduction in total cost of pain treatment in cancer patients.