Brand versus Generic Rosuvastatin in Egyptian Patients with Hyperlipidemia; Cost-Minimization Analysis

Background: Serum level of cholesterol is one of the most vital risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Statins are highly effective drugs for reducing serum cholesterol; hence, preventing coronary heart disease (CHD). Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is one of the most potent and widely prescribed statins. Even though generic statins have been approved based on their bioequivalence with brand-name drugs, there remains considerable concern as regards their effectiveness and safety. Most clinicians and patients welcome the generic drug decreased costs; however, it is indispensable for them that effectiveness and safety are not compromised. Thus, the rationale intended for this study is to compare brand rosuvastatin and generic rosuvastatin as regard their economic impact using a cost-minimization analysis. Methods: This cost-minimization model estimates potential impact of rosuvastatin brand versus generic on the healthcare resource utilization for one-year frame from the payer perspective. The model conforms to real practice of management of hyperlipidemia in Egypt and was validated by experts. Results: The drug costs in the rosuvastatin brand group were 3,155,250 EGP while in the generic group were 2,299,030 EGP. The costs of CVD events in the rosuvastatin brand group were 5,863,558 EGP, while in the generic group were 6,810,180 EGP. The total costs in the rosuvastatin brand group were 9,018,808 EGP, while in the generic group were 9,109,210 EGP with a difference of −100,047 EGP. Conclusions: In conclusion, the real cost of generic treatment is more than that of the brand statin when taking into consideration the cardiovascular events.