Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of oseltamivir as prophylaxis against influenza infection

A pharmacoeconomic evaluation was made of prophylaxis against influenza using the oral neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir. Two patterns consisting of administration for 7 days as postcontact prophylaxis (7 day model) and seasonal administration for 6 weeks (6 week model) were examined. Decision analysis models were created on the basis of reports of clinical studies and epidemiologic studies relating to the drug and vaccination, and cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted based on the number of persons who had influenza and pneumonia as health outcomes. Costs were estimated with respect to health expenditures from the societal perspective as well as productivity costs. In the case of administration for 1-week postcontact prophylaxis, the health outcomes improved and costs were reduced in comparison with nontreatment, thus making this administration schedule the dominant choice. With administration for 6 weeks during the infectious period, vaccination involved lower costs and was superior in terms of health outcomes.