Statin cost effectiveness in primary prevention: a systematic review of the recent cost-effectiveness literature in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The literature on the cost-effectiveness of statin drugs in primary prevention of coronary heart disease is complex. The objective of this study is to compare the disparate results of recent cost-effectiveness analyses of statins.

Findings

We conducted a systematic review of the literature on statin cost-effectiveness. The four studies that met inclusion criteria reported varying conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of statin treatment, without a clear consensus as to whether statins are cost-effective for primary prevention. However, after accounting for each study's assumptions about statin costs, we found substantial agreement among the studies. Studies that assumed statins to be more expensive found them to be less cost-effective, and vice-versa. Furthermo

SUBMITTER: Mitchell AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3444438 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature