Go for low dose epoetin In contrast to earlier studies showing that

epoetin is too expensive for use in all indicated patients, an Australian study has shown that 'low dose' epoetin ('Eprex') actually results in cost savings of > A$1 000 per patient/year.

The investigators aimed for a target haemoglobin level of 90-100 giL in the 28 patients with end-stage renal failure studied. Quality of life parameters were significantly improved. The extra costs involved with drug acquisition, extra dialyses and drug treatment were about $5000/annum, and were outweighed by the estimated resultant savings of about $6000. The estimated savings included reductions in transfusions, the number of hospitalised days, medical consultations and security benefits, as well as increased taxations received from patients able to return to the workforce. Harris DCH, Chapman JR, Stewart JH, Lawrence S, Roger SD. Low dose erythropoietin in mainten~nce haemodialysis: improvement in quality of life and reduction in true cost of haemodialysis. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine 21: 693-700, Oct 1991 ._

ISSN 0156-2703/91/1123-()()(}I/OS01.00/0 e Ada Illtenultiolltli Ltd

1 INPHARMA@23 No, 1991