[The use of topamax in the treatment of epilepsy: clinical and pharmacoeconomic aspects].

The results of an open prospective naturalistic study on the use of topiramate (topamax) in 92 patients with focal epilepsy are presented. The pharmacological remission with duration over one year was achieved in 47,8% of patients. In total, the percentage of remission and clinical improvement made up 68,5%. The positive changes were observed in drug-naive patients (during first monotherapy) and in patients who previously received ineffective therapy. In some cases of patients with resistant forms of epilepsy, pharmacological remission or significant improvement of the control over seizures was found. The topamax therapy substantially increased the quality of life of the patients. The cost of therapy was 3100-5200 rubles per month, mean costs for a one patient during one year--416,000 rubles. The marginal utility 237,000 rubles per each additional QALY was significantly lower than $20,000, the minimal threshold of cost-effectiveness for European countries.