Cost implications of antimuscarinic drugs in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome

• Published in: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy Vol. 7; no. 5; p. 539
• Main Authors: Perimenis, Petros, Konstantinopoulos, Angelis, Giannitsas, Konstantinos, Athanasopoulos, Anastasios
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.04.2006
• Subjects: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Humans; Models, Economic; Muscarinic Antagonists - economics; Muscarinic Antagonists - therapeutic use; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Syndrome; Urinary Incontinence - drug therapy; Urinary Incontinence - etiology
• ISSN: 1744-7666
• DOI: 10.1517/14656566.7.5.539

Overactive bladder syndrome is highly prevalent, particularly among the elderly. As well as the consequent morbidity, such as urinary infections, skin irritation and bone fractures, almost all aspects of quality of life, personal and social, are influenced. Therefore, the associated cost is substantial. Pharmacotherapy with antimuscarinics is the mainstay of treatment. Because of the good balance between efficacy, safety and tolerability, these drugs seem to be cost-effective therapeutic modalities for overactive bladder. In the milieu of a constantly ageing population, rising demand for the treatment of health conditions and the need for rational use of healthcare resources, further studies with long-term antimuscarinic drug treatment and follow-up are needed to redefine their therapeutic value.