The cost effectiveness of zanamivir and oseltamivir for influenza treatment

In this month's column, the authors evaluate the cost effectiveness of oseltamivir and zanamivir, compared with standard care, for the treatment of influenza. Using efficacy data from randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, a cost-effectiveness model was constructed. In an influenza-positive patient population, the cost per symptom free day was $16 for zanamivir-treated patients compared with $39 for oseltamivir-treated patients. Considering a hypothetical drug budget of $100,000, 919 additional patients could be treated with zanamivir than with oseltamivir. Treatment with zanamivir would result in a gain of 1,714 symptom-free days and 52 fewer influenza-related complications than if oseltamivir were used.