Economic analysis of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) add-on to treat erectile dysfunction associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use

Am J Ther. 2004 Jan-Feb;11(1):9-12. doi: 10.1097/00045391-200401000-00005.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the economic cost of adding sildenafil citrate (Viagra, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY) to treat selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced erectile dysfunction with that of discontinuing antidepressant pharmacotherapy, switching patients to another SSRI, or adding a non-SSRI. Based on our real-world experience in an academic medical center, we performed an economic analysis of a hypothetical cohort of 1000 patients taking SSRIs on a course of acute and continuation treatment recommended by the American Psychiatric Association. We used standard costing of antidepressants, sildenafil, and unit costs for physician visits within a managed care environment and cost-of-illness methodology to calculate the annualized cost of depression for different treatment outcomes. After 6 months of SSRI treatment, the sildenafil add-on group had the lowest cost estimates compared with groups that discontinued SSRIs, substituted another SSRI (switching), or added a non-SSRI to the existing SSRI (augmentation). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the physician visit was the single most important cost component in this hypothetical population and relapse/remission the most costly outcome. Sildenafil can be a cost-effective add-on therapy to control SSRI-induced erectile dysfunction. Healthcare payors should consider this when developing optimum treatment strategies for men with depression.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / economics
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Drug Costs
  • Erectile Dysfunction / chemically induced
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors* / economics
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Piperazines* / economics
  • Piperazines* / therapeutic use
  • Purines
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Sulfones
  • Sildenafil Citrate