In a nutshell
This article investigated the treatment cost of ezetimibe (Zetia) vs evolocumab (Repatha) in treating major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The authors concluded that treatment with ezetimibe is the most cost-effective option for these patients.
Some background
T2D is a disorder where the body can no longer use insulin correctly. This results in high blood glucose (BG). This high BG can cause many adverse effects for the patients such as damage to the heart and blood vessels. Many patients with diabetes also have high cholesterol levels. This may lead to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). These include heart attack, stroke or death. Current treatment options to successfully reduce the MACE are ezetimibe and evolocumab.
However, it is not known whether one is better over the other. It is also not known if ezetimibe or evolocumab is the most cost-effective in patients with T2D.
Methods & findings
The study involved 15,964 patients with T2D from 2 trials. 11,031 patients (group 1) were treated with evolocumab. 4,933 patients (group 2) were treated with ezetimibe. Patients were followed up for 2.2 (group 1) to 7 years (group 2).
The rate of MACE per year was similar in both groups (6.5% in group 1 vs 6.1%in group 2). However, the cost of evolocumab yearly was significantly greater ($6540) compared to ezetimibe ($88).
The bottom line
The authors concluded that treatment with ezetimibe is the most cost-effective option for patients with T2D.
The fine print
This study did not take into account the financial savings that occurred as a result of reducing MACE, only the cost of the therapies.
What’s next?
If you have concerns regarding T2D and MACE, please discuss this with your doctor.
Published By :
The American journal of cardiology
Date :
Jan 23, 2019
