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Cost-effectiveness of dabigatran compared with warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation in Sweden
European Heart Journal, 06/26/2012
Davidson T et al. – Dabigatran is a cost–effective treatment in Sweden, as its incremental cost–effectiveness ratio is below the normally accepted willingness to pay limit.
- A decision analytic simulation model was used to estimate the long–term (20–year) costs and effects of the different treatments.
- The outcome measures are the number of strokes prevented, life years gained, and quality–adjusted life years (QALYs) gained.
- Costs and effect data are adjusted to a Swedish setting.
- Patients below 80 years of age are assumed to start with dabigatran 150 mg twice a day and switch to 110 mg twice a day at the age of 80 years due to higher bleeding risk.
- The price of dabigatran in Sweden is €2.82 (Swedish kronor 25.39) per day for both doses.
- The cost per QALY gained for dabigatran compared with warfarin is estimated at €7742, increasing to €12 449 if dabigatran is compared with only well–controlled warfarin treatment.