Reflections on the cost-effectiveness of recombinant FSH in assisted reproduction. The clinician's perspective

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the relative cost-effectiveness of recombinant FSH (rFSH) and urinary FSH (uFSH) in assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Methods: Calculation of the average cost-effectiveness ratio and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio to compare costs and effects (pregnancy rates) of the two therapeutic options (rFSH and uFSH). Results: Assuming that the cost of the procedure per ART cycle is between 100,000 pesetas (601 euro) and 150,000 pesetas (901.52 euro), and pricing the GnRH analogues used for pituitary suppression at 35,000 pesetas (210.3 euro), the cost-effectiveness ratio is better for rFSH than for uFSH, implying that the cost per pregnancy is lower when the recombinant preparation is used. Conclusions: In ART, the use of rFSH is more cost-effective than uFSH.