Cost‑Effectiveness Analysis of Tapentadol PR Versus Oxycodone/Naloxone PR in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain in Spain

Abstract

Objetive: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent worldwide and is associated with a huge social and economic burden. Opioids are commonly prescribed to treat chronic pain as recommended by the European Pain Federation. Tapentadol prolonged release (PR), is a strong opioid that has proven being effective in treating chronic musculoskeletal pain with less adverse events than oxycodone/naloxone PR. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of tapentadol PR compared to oxycodone/naloxone PR from the Spanish National Healthcare System perspective (SNHS). Methods: A Markov model was adapted analysing two arms: patients treated with tapentadol PR and patients treated with oxycodone/naloxone PR. The model assesses a cohort of 1,000 patients over a one-year period. Results: Overall, treating patients with tapentadol PR was less costly than treating patients with oxycodone/naloxone PR (€388,631.70 vs €568,168.85). In terms of cost effectiveness, the incremental cost of tapentadol PR over oxycodone/naloxone PR was -€179,537.15 and the incremental quality-adjusted life year value was 40.05. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated at -€4,027.16 per quality-adjusted life year suggesting that tapentadol PR is an economically dominant alternative over oxycodone/naloxone PR. Conclusion: Tapentadol PR represents a cost-effective option to treat musculoskeletal chronic pain patients in Spain. Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, Opioids, Tapentadol PR, Cost effectiveness, Spain.