Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Jun 2010
ReviewFactors affecting quality of life in epidermolysis bullosa.
Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare group of inherited disorders that manifests as blistering or erosion of the skin in response to little or no apparent trauma. Patients suffer from long-term physical, social and economic consequences. Despite the fact that quality of life assessment has rapidly become a significant outcome variable in dermatology research, only a few studies regarding epidermolysis bullosa patients are available. ⋯ Moreover, the psychological and social morbidities very easily evade the eyes of clinicians. Comparison of the impact of epidermolysis bullosa with that of other conditions is clearly valuable for making public policy decisions. This review indicates the need for more rigorous exploration of the impact of such diseases to further guide treatment and to monitor quality of care.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Jun 2010
ReviewCost-effectiveness of lenalidomide in multiple myeloma.
Lenalidomide represents the first drug in a novel class of agents known as IMiDs. It has both direct antimyeloma activity and an indirect effect acting through the microenvironment. In the relapsed/refractory setting, lenalidomide has been demonstrated to be highly active, producing partial and complete responses that translate into improved survival. ⋯ It is important that researchers understand the instruments used by these bodies to come to decisions regarding cost-effectiveness if patients are not to be disadvantaged by not being given access to these active new agents. This article outlines the models used by health economists and assesses their potential shortcomings. It also suggests alternative methods and identifies areas of research where improvements might be achieved.
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In Ireland, expenditure on medicines in the community has increased over sixfold from 300 million euro in 1998 to 1.9 billion euro in 2008. The Health Service Executive has examined all aspects of the drugs supply chain in an attempt to obtain value for money. The 2006 agreement between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association resulted in a 35% reduction in the price of patent-expired medicines with estimated savings of 248 million euro. ⋯ Patient co-payment under the Drugs Payment Scheme increased to 120 euro per month and a new co-payment for medical card holders is to be introduced. Since September 2009, all new pharmaceutical products are considered for pharmacoeconomic assessment. Generic substitution and reference pricing are to be introduced in 2011.