OBJECTIVES:

To compare the cost-utility of two budesonide dry powder inhalers in children in Russian Federation. Inhaler devices included Easyhaler and Turbuhaler. The patients were represented by inhaler naïve persons 6-12 years old with asthmatic disease.

METHODS:

Information search was conducted in the public domain. Pharmacoeconomic analysis methods: cost – utility analysis was performed. The study had a time horizon of 1 year. The quality-adjusted life years (QALY) indicator was used as an outcome measure. The QALY was calculated of relationship between quality of life and compliance. Utility data were received from published literature. The direct cost of the various medications per patient was calculated. Cost was consisted of the cost of basic pharmacotherapy, compensation costs for treatment of exacerbations (hospital visits, primary care physician visits and visits to healthcare professional), compensation costs for side effects.

RESULTS:

Results showed that budesonide via Easyhaler had a total direct cost per patient per year with asthma amounted to EUR 1 139 (versus EUR 1 411 to the Turbuhaler group) and cost saving prepared by of EUR 318 per QALY versus budesonide via Turbuhaler.

CONCLUSIONS:

Comparison of two budesonide dry powder inhalers in children showed that treatment of asthma with budesonide via Easyhaler was a dominant by contrast to budesonide via Turbuhaler in Russian Federation.