Answer 16: Cost-effectiveness benefits of the high-dose strategy

20 June, 2018

 

 

A study was performed extrapolating the costs associated with short-course 750 mg levofloxacin compared to the 500 mg ten day regimen by utilizing data outlining the time from intravenous to oral therapy required for each regimen. The average number of intravenous and oral doses was calculated for all intention-to-treat patients who completed therapy, along with the associated costs per patient. Patients treated with 500 mg received an average of 3.52 intravenous doses, compared with 2.85 doses for 750 mg patients. Several studies have demonstrated an association between a faster switch from intravenous to oral therapy with a reduction in length of hospital stay among CAP patients. Using the 2003 average wholesale price for levofloxacin, the average cost per patient for the 500-mg group was significantly higher at $150 than the cost of treating the 750-mg group at $115 (7). With over 500,000 hospital admissions each year in the US due to CAP, any treatment strategy that may potentially reduce the LOS and cost per patient can result in significant cost savings for hospitals.