OBJECTIVE: The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of duloxetine when considered as an additional treatment option for UK-based patients suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A decision-analytic model was used to represent the sequential management of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. The standard UK treatment strategy was defined as first-line tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), second-line anticonvulsants (gabapentin) and lastly an opioid-related treatment. The cost-effectiveness of duloxetine was evaluated as an additional first, second, third or fourth-line therapy over a 6-month treatment period for a cohort of 1000 patients. Treatment response was modelled based on changes from baseline pain severity using a standard 11-point pain scale (0–10); full response (≥ 50% change), partial response (30–49%) and no response (< 30%). The model was populated with efficacy and discontinuation data using indirect comparisons of treatment efficacy based on relative effects to a common placebo comparator.
RESULTS: The second-line use of duloxetine resulted in cost savings of £77 071 for every 1000 treated patients, with an additional 29 patients achieving a full pain response when compared to standard UK treatment. Additional quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were achieved at 1.88 QALYs per 1000 patients.
CONCLUSIONS: This UK-based economic model suggests that second-line use of duloxetine is a beneficial and cost-effective treatment strategy for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
