An economic analysis of switching to latanoprost from a beta-blocker or adding @entity16495 or latanoprost to a beta-blocker in @entity1538 or XXXX .

@entity1 @entity2790 @entity16495 @entity1538
BACKGROUND: In treating @entity1 with @entity2790 or primary @entity1538 , if a single agent cannot successfully control the pressure, additional medications may be prescribed. The cost of treatment may become expensive, especially with multiple drug therapy. Thus, prescribing techniques that help minimize costs may be beneficial to @entity1 when medically appropriate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in drug and visit costs after switching to latanoprost 0.005% monotherapy (LM) versus adding latanoprost 0.005% once daily (Lbeta) or @entity16495 0.2% twice daily (Bbeta) in @entity1 uncontrolled on beta-blocker therapy alone. METHODS: This study included 148 consecutive qualified charts of @entity1538 or @entity2790 @entity1 within the first year of follow-up after switching from beta-blocker monotherapy to latanoprost or adding latanoprost or @entity16495 . RESULTS: The Bbeta group demonstrated the highest costs per month, followed by the Lbeta group, then the LM group. A trend existed in the Lbeta group to a lower pressure than the Bbeta or the LM groups. A greater mean change in medication per @entity1 per month was seen in the Bbeta group compared to the latanoprost treatment groups. Additionally, a greater number of visits per month occurred in the Bbeta than in the LM and Lbeta groups. The Bbeta group also reported significantly more tearing and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that in @entity1 uncontrolled on beta-blocker therapy, switching to latanoprost, when medically appropriate, may provide a further mean reduction in intraocular pressure and save costs compared to adding latanoprost or @entity16495 .
