OBJECTIVES: Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disease with autosomal dominant inheritance, characterized by recurrent episodes of edema and swelling. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost of treatment for hereditary angioedema per patient in a poor population in Colombia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was developed on patients with hereditary angioedema. Data were extracted from the individual outpatient dispense records of a health insurance company in Colombia. Monthly consumption of drugs during the years 2022-2023 was considered. The mean cost per patient and its confidence interval were estimated. RMR: $4.090.

RESULTS: In the period 2022-2023, 20 patients with hereditary angioedema were identified, with a economic burden of $2,126,770 USD in 2022-2023, explained 99.8% by the use of 2 medications: Lanadelumab for prophylactic use $14,406 (CI95%: $14,372-$14,441) and Icatibant for on-demand use $5,574 (CI95%: $4,170-$6,978). Of the patients diagnosed with the disease, 66% were women with a mean age of 33 ± 14 years, while men had a mean age of 33 ± 18 years. The use of Lanadelumab in 2023 presented an economic burden twice as much as in 2022. However, it was observed that 50% of patients using the prophylactic medication experienced crises at some point during three consecutive months in the analyzed period, with an average cost per month of $12,077 (CI 95%: $8,224-$15,930).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important information for decision-making in health insurance. It is important to reevaluate patients who truly require prophylactic treatment to generate lower costs for the health system.