Economic evaluation of the combination of intranasal corticosteroids and antihistamines in the treatment of persistent or intermittent allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Objective: To perform a cost-minimization analysis of the combined therapy of ciclesonide and bilastine compared to other associations of the same therapeutic class on the treatment of allergic rhinitis within the private healthcare system. Methods: A cost-minimization analysis was performed based on the equity of effectiveness among all the comparators. Ex-Factory prices were considered. Daily and monthly costs were based on label´s recommended dose. Sensibility analysis was performed to evaluate the robustness of the findings. Results: The results of the economic evaluation suggest that the combined treatment of ciclesonide and bilastine can provide savings up to 47% monthly when compared to the selected comparators (savings varying between R$ 4.15 and R$ 72.52 per month). Conclusion: Results show that the combined treatment of ciclesonide and bilastine provides savings when compared to all the comparators selected in the model.