Cost-effectiveness of a fixed combination of hydroquinone/tretinoin/fluocinolone cream compared with hydroquinone alone in the treatment of melasma.

Author: Cestari T, Adjadj L, Hux M, Shimizu MR, Rives VP

Author affiliation: University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Publication date & source: 2007.02, J Drugs Dermatol., 6(2):153-60.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: A once-daily fixed combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide (Tri-luma) is a newly available treatment for melasma. OBJECTIVE: To assess cost-effectiveness of triple combination therapy (TCT) applied once daily and hydroquinone alone applied twice daily in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia from a payer's perspective. METHODS: Clinical data and utilization of key health resources (medication only) were assessed within an 8-week clinical trial conducted in Brazil. Total cost per primary success (complete clearing) was used to compare each treatment with not treating and incremental cost effectiveness ratios were used to compare between treatments. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: TCT had a 30% better rate of complete clearing than hydroquinone with a lower cost in the U.S. and an incremental cost in other countries. In every country, cost per primary success was lower for TCT than for hydroquinone. Results were robust to varying assumptions of success rates and quantity used.

Indexes of Skin Care Research Abstracts by Subject Category Most Recent

Web SmartSkinCare.com

Home | About Us | Contact Us | Ask a Question | Resources

Copyright © 1999-2008 by Dr. G. Todorov / SmartSkinCare.com
Site Disclaimer | Copyright Certification