Análise farmacoeconômica no tratamento da asma brônquica com a associação salmeterol/ fluticasona versus tratamento com esteróides e broncodilatadores orais no Sistema Único de Saúde. Pharmacoeconomic analysis of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination versus systemic corticosteroids and oral β-adrenergic agents in Brazilian Unified Health System for the management of asthma.

asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of airways related to great economic burden to Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and to society, as well. According to DATASUS (Public Health Data Base), in 2004, public costs with Asthma were higher than 106 millions of reais. The aim of this study was to estimate cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit relationships between treatments with different drugs. Methodology: an economic analysis through a transversal study with thirty asthmatics was made regarding salmeterol/fluticasone combination (data from GOAL Study) against oral steroids and β 2 -agonists (available drugs in SUS delivered to asthmatic patients). Direct and indirect costs were considered. Results: Compared to oral treatment, patients on SF combination got lower exacerbations rates (0,07patients/year vs 9/patient/year), and work absenteeism (364.9 vs 309.5 working days), as well as higher number of symptom-free days (364.9 vs 356 days). Cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the additional cost to get a symptom-free day with SF combination was R$9.29. Cost- benefit analysis showed reduction of work absenteeism costs due to asthma, with SF combination. Conclusion: Patients on SF combination had higher work productivity and symptom-free days, comparing with oral drugs, with an additional daily cost of R$9.29. With this combination, investment pay back was 21% higher. We conclude that SF combination is a cost-effec- tive therapeutic option for SUS, indicating cost saving related to reduction in work missing days.