Prescription patterns and cost of illness in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Background: Although economic burden data of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma for various countries are available, data among Indian population are unavailable. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure the prescription pattern and cost of illness (COI) of asthma and COPD patients. Methods: This prospective, observational, bottom-up study collected economic, diagnostic, and therapeutic data from 150 COPD and asthma patients. The study was carried out for an 8-month period at Princess Esra Hospital, a Unit of Owaisi Group of Hospitals, located at Shalibanda, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Results: Societal perspective was used to account for both direct and indirect costs. Asthma and COPD account for Rs. 12,852 and Rs. 16,514 in annual direct costs per patient per year. Inpatient cost was considerably higher than the outpatient cost. Hospitalization costs ranked first in direct costs followed by laboratory examination and medication costs. Average annual total direct cost per patient for COPD (Rs. 5000–25,000) was considerably higher than asthma (Rs. 1000–20,000). Antibiotics, mucolytics, short-acting beta-2 agonists, long-acting beta-2 agonists, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, leukotriene receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and methylxanthines were the common categories of drugs prescribed for the two disorders. Conclusion: In summary, we found that COI for asthma and COPD are substantial. Hospitalization and medication costs can be reduced by implementing preventive strategies including but not limited to home care services, rehabilitation therapies, smoking cessation programs, medication assessment, and patient compliance programs. Future researchers should examine the treatment strategies and interventions that may help to reduce the burden of COPD and asthma. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Patient care, practice-based learning and improvement, systems-based practice.