Cost-effectiveness analysis of solifenacin flexible dosing in patients with overactive bladder symptoms in four Nordic countries.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present analysis was to analyze and compare the cost-effectiveness of solifenacin flexible dosing (5-10 mg) with tolterodine 4 mg sustained release (SR) or placebo (assumed to be comparable to no treatment) for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

DESIGN

A decision-analytic model was constructed.

METHODS

Costs and effects were evaluated for the three treatment options in a one-year timeframe. Costs included were treatment costs, cost of pad use, and patients productivity loss based on data from the Nordic countries.

SAMPLE

Results from two randomized controlled trials were used as input data in the cost-effectiveness analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Quality adjusted life years and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

RESULTS

Solifenacin flexible dosing was more effective with respect to reducing OAB symptoms compared to both placebo and tolterodine 4 mg. Treatment with both solifenacin and tolterodine was more costly compared to placebo, but treatment with solifenacin was a less costly alternative compared to tolterodine 4 mg SR. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the conclusions were robust.

CONCLUSION

Solifenacin flexible dosing was a cost-effective treatment alternative compared to tolterodine 4 mg SR.