Cost-effectiveness analysis of the prevention of relapse of schizophrenia in the ZEUS longitudinal study Ziprasidone Extended Use in Schizphrenia (ZEUS)

Abstract

Objective. Estimate the cost-effectiveness of the prevention of relapse of schizophrenia in the ZEUS (Ziprasidone Extended Use in Schizophrenia Study) longitudinal study that compares ziprasidone with the option of not treating.

Methods. One year of treatment was analyzed using the randomized clinical trial data (ZEUS study) with a deterministic model, having cost-effectiveness analysis type, conducted from the perspective of the National Health Care System (NHCS).

Results. Additional mean yearly cost for worsening avoided with ziprasidone was 186 € for the mean dose, ranging from –556 € (savings) with the 80 mg/day dose and 1,014 € with 160 mg/day, which was always lower than the minimum cost of a relapse (2,830 €), considered as threshold value to establish cost-effectiveness of treatment with ziprasidone.

Conclusions. Prevention of relapse of schizophrenia with long-term ziprasidone is cost-effective in comparison with the option of not treating. Treatment with ziprasidone avoids relapse episodes at a reasonable cost, generating savings for the NHCS.