Venous tromboembolism treatment: budget impact analysis of rivaroxaban in Italy

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is frequently leading to severe complications, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and requires high cost healthcare intevention. Rivaroxaban, a novel oral factor Xa inhibitor approved for treatment of DVT, PE and reduction of the risk of recurrence, may represent a cost‑effective anticoagulant choice. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the economic impact of the use of rivaroxaban for preventing DVT and PE in Italy. METHODS: We conducted a budget impact analysis to estimate clinical outcomes and economic consequences associated to rivaroxaban vs. standard therapy (low molecular weight heparin + vitamin K antagonists) in the prevention of DVT and PE, over a three‑year time horizon. In the analysis we performed two hypothesis: complete replacement of LMWH/VKA with rivaroxaban (hypothesis 1) and partial and progressive replacement of LMWH/VKA in the first three years of reimbursement (hypothesis 2). Only direct healthcare costs have been considered. RESULTS: Total replacement of LMWH/VKA with rivaroxaban in DVT and PE is associated to a reduction of recurrent symptomatic thromboembolism, major bleeding, vascular events and mortality, with an expenditure saving of about € 11.3 mln (DVT) and € 6.6 mln (PE), corresponding to an average savings per patient treated with rivaroxaban amounted to € 112.9 and € 123,3, respectively. In hypothesis 2 it is estimated that 22%, 25%, and 27% of DVT patients and 12%, 16%, and 20% of PE patients, would be treated with rivaroxaban over the first three years. This would translate into a total saving on healthcare expenditure of € 8.4 mln for DVT and € 3.2 mln for PE and reduction of length of stay with a slight increase in pharmaceutical expenditure. CONCLUSIONS: Rivaroxaban provides significant advantages in terms of events avoided and related costs that would result in a reduction in the total expenditure on the Italian NHS.