Tiopronin and Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate for Hepatic Diseases:Cost-minimization Analysis

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the economic effects of tiopronin and diammonium glycyrrhizinate alone or in combination for hepatic diseases.METHODS:In this retrospective study,patients were assigned to receive tiopronin(A,n=20)for an average of 28.15 days,Diammonium glycyrrhizinate(B,n=20)average of 42.95 days or tiopronin plus diammonium glycyrrhizinate(C,n=32)for an average of 38.12 days.The clinical efficacy was observed and pharmacoeconomic analysis was carried out.RESULTS:The total effective rates of A,B,and C groups were 100.0%,100.0% and 96.9%,respectively,showing no significant difference among the three groups.The total costs were 2 746.02±962.49,3 099.95±1 548.95 and 4 166.68±2 131.86 yuan,respectively,showing no significant difference in cost between Group A and B,while Group C has the highest cost.Group B has the highest significant effective rate of 70.0% versus 50.0% of Group A and 59.4% of Group C.However,the total cost for Group B rises correspondingly if the cost of all the drugs descends and/or if charge for loss of working time goes up.CONCLUSION:Group A is preferable,followed by Group B;however,Group C is the worst.