Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Lercanidipine Compared to Amlodipine as an Addition to Renin-angiotensin System Blockers in Diabetic Hypertensive Patients with Albuminuria in Thailand.

Objective: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (DHP-CCBs) is an appropriate add-on antihypertensive option for uncontrolled blood pressure diabetic hypertensive patients with albuminuria who are already taking renin-angiotensin system blockers (RASBs). Among DHP-CCBs, amlodipine is the first-line medication in combination with RASBs. However, new-generation DHP-CCBs like lercanidipine has demonstrated superior effectiveness and fewer side effects, although at a higher cost than amlodipine. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of lercanidipine versus amlodipine when added to RASBs in diabetic hypertensive patients with albuminuria. The objective is to provide robust evidence guiding the selection of the most suitable and worthwhile treatment option in Thailand. Materials and Methods: This study analyses the cost-effectiveness of lercanidipine versus amlodipine as an addition to RASBs in diabetic hypertensive patients with albuminuria. The analysis was conducted from a societal perspective using a Markov model. Results: The total costs of lercanidipine and amlodipine treatments were 370,392.83 baht and 384,221.85 baht, respectively. The life years gained for lercanidipine and amlodipine treatments were 11.33 years and 10.96 years respectively. Additionally, the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of lercanidipine and amlodipine treatments were 8.06 years and 7.51 years respectively. The calculated ICER was negative, indicating treatment with lercanidipine as a dominant strategy. Conclusion: Due to lercanidipine’s noticeable cost-effectiveness, lower costs, and longer QALYs. Adding lercanidipine has proven to be more cost-effective than amlodipine for diabetic hypertensive patients with albuminuria who have been unable to achieve their blood pressure goals with RASBs alone. Therefore, lercanidipine should be the preferred choice as an add-on to RASBs in Thailand. These results could significantly aid policymakers in making informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]