The monthly costs and monthly savings per patient of switching therapy, depending on original nifedipine dose received were:
30mg, $14.01 and $4.61;
60mg, $18.81 and $18.60;
90mg, $20.16 and $25.86;
and 120mg, $25.31 and $51.60.
Cost savings of $65,457 would be realised if all 1,029 patients ($63.61 per patient) switched therapy; based on the analysis of the 127 patient sample during the first year following the switch of therapy. In each year thereafter, the use of felodipine by this group would result in cost savings of $144,100. First year cost savings were lower due to additional clinical visits and blood pressure checks, wastage of nifedipine tablets and pharmacist time as a result of switching therapy.