ObjectiveTo evaluate the global, cost-effectiveness of ibuprofen and aspirin in patients with moderate to severe arthritis.
MethodsThe primary outcome was the global economic impact of ibuprofen in the treatment of moderate to severe arthritis, based on the Global Burden of Disease and Global Health Expenditure Model, adjusted for cost-effectiveness. The study was conducted at a cost per patient, using data from the Global Burden of Disease and Global Health Expenditure Model. The cost per patient was calculated for each group of participants (Ibuprofen and aspirin): ibuprofen + paracetamol + aspirin, and ibuprofen + paracetamol + aspirin + ibuprofen. The mean difference in mean difference was 0.4 and 0.2 points, respectively. The median cost per patient per dose was 0.2 and 0.3 points, respectively.
ResultsThe mean differences in the mean differences in the mean difference in the cost per patient were 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 0.9 points in ibuprofen + paracetamol + aspirin, ibuprofen + paracetamol + aspirin + ibuprofen, and paracetamol + aspirin + ibuprofen + ibuprofen, respectively, and in the mean difference in the mean difference in the mean difference in the cost per patient was 0.7, 0.7, 1.0, and 1.1 points, respectively. The cost-effectiveness of paracetamol was not significantly different for both groups. In the paracetamol + aspirin group, the incremental cost per patient was 0.4, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.3 points, respectively, whereas the incremental cost per patient was 0.1, 0.6, 0.7, and 0.9 points for ibuprofen and 0.5, 1.0, 0.9, and 1.3 points for aspirin, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for paracetamol was significantly lower for the combined group.
ConclusionsThis analysis shows that, although cost-effectiveness is similar between both groups, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is significantly lower in patients who have moderate to severe arthritis. The incremental cost per patient in the combined group was significantly lower. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is significantly lower for the combined group.
Citation:Lupka T, Czerny S, Kaczmarek A (2013) Global economic impact of ibuprofen and aspirin in the treatment of moderate to severe arthritis. PLoS ONE 8(4): e0262596. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262596
Editor:Anna A. Bajer, UCL London, United Kingdom
Received:December 19, 2012;Accepted:April 16, 2013;Published:May 22, 2013
Copyright:© 2013 Lupka et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Data Availability:All relevant data are within the manuscript.
Funding:This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through the Medical Research Council, and through the National Institute for Health Research. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing interests:The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
BackgroundIn recent years, many studies have assessed the global economic impact of a class of pain medications (medicines with a focus on the management of arthritis) and aspirin in the treatment of moderate to severe arthritis. In the USA, the cost per patient of ibuprofen was a concern because of its potential for causing gastrointestinal side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding [, ]. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 10% of all healthcare costs in the US will be associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use. As such, ibuprofen and aspirin are the most commonly prescribed drugs in the US.
Ibuprofen is a painkiller that is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the body. Ibuprofen works by temporarily stopping the body from producing a substance that causes pain and swelling. It is most effective when used as directed.
Ibuprofen is available as a tablet or capsule. It is often recommended to take the tablet as soon as possible after a meal. However, if you have missed a meal, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time of day.
How to use:Take this product exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water. Do not use more of it than directed. Do not take Ibuprofen without a doctor’s advice.
If you are not sure how to take ibuprofen, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Ibuprofen may be taken with or without food. However, this product should be taken at least 2 hours after a meal.
If you are not sure how to store this product, or if you have more information on how to store this product, contact your doctor or a pharmacist online at or call 1-800-332-1088 to arrange a service. Ibuprofen tablets are coated onAvance Pharmacy. Ibuprofen may be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking this product if you have liver or kidney problems, low sodium levels in your blood, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this product if you are allergic to ibuprofen or any of the other ingredients of this product.
Read More About Ibuprofen and Other ProductsIBUPROFEN is used to treat pain and inflammation, including swelling and inflammation of the joints. Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain, reduce fever, or reduce swelling. For more information, please see the
IBUPROFEN is available as a capsule, tablet, and as a liquid. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain, swelling, and inflammation.
IBUPROFEN is most effective when taken as a once-daily dose. Do not take ibuprofen without first talking to your doctor.
IBUPROFEN is not for the common cold, flu, severe cases of headache, or nausea/vomiting.
This product is not suitable for in the U. S. because of a highrance of unlicenced English in the package. This product should not be used for any other use.
IBUPROFEN is not approved for use in children under 12 years of age. The drug may cause harm to a child, including permanent tooth discoloration, stomach ulcer, or heart problems, and allergic reactions (such as hives, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips). This product should not be used by children under 12 years of age due to this product not being FDA approved. See the
IBUPROFEN is not approved for use in pregnant women, or in breastfeeding women.
IBUPROFEN passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. It is not known whether it is safe for a nursing baby to be given this medicine. It is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
IBUPROFEN is not approved for use in children under 12 years of age because the drug may cause harm to a child. It is not recommended for use by children under 12 years of age because the drug may cause harm to a child. It is not recommended for use by children who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking this product if you:•Are allergic to Ibuprofen or any of the other ingredients of this product.
BRUFEN 400MG contains Ibuprofen which belongs to the group of medicines called Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or Still's disease), arthritis of the spine, ankylosing spondylitis, swollen joints, frozen shoulder, bursitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, lower back pain, sprains and strains. This medicine can also be used to manage other painful conditions such as toothache, pain after operations, period pain, headache and migraine.
When your body is fighting an injury or infection, it naturally releases chemicals called prostaglandins which lead to fever, swelling and discomfort. BRUFEN 400MG blocks the effect of prostaglandins.
Before taking BRUFEN 400MG tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart disease. Pregnant and breastfeeding women must consult the doctor before taking this medicine. Avoid excessive use of painkillers, tell your doctor if you are already taking another painkiller before taking this medicine. The common side effects are dizziness, tiredness, headache, diarrhea, constipation and flatulence.
Before taking BRUFEN 400MG tell your doctor if you are already taking another painkiller. The following serious side effects have been reported since it was prescribed: headache, nausea (feeling the pain in the brain), back pain, muscle pain and pain in arms or legs.If you are taking another NSAID, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. NSAIDs are classed as antidepressants, COX-2 inhibitors and H2- blockers. Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you are suffering from a heart attack or stroke, bleeding problems or high blood pressure. This medicine can cause stomach upset, heart attack or blood clotting. Also, if you experience any signs of allergic reactions, stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor.If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. An allergic reaction to BRUFEN 400MG is unlikely but there is a chance it can cause side effects. Get medical help immediately if you experience pain in arms or legs.
Taking BRUFEN 400MGTell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking and whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also, inform your doctor if you are breast feeding or plan to breast feed.
Other medicines you are taking: NSAIDs like ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and mefenamic acid (eralaAlsoGnc), aspirin and naproxen (Aleve). Other pain relievers: aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. You should not take BRUFEN 400MG if you are taking acetaminophen, multivitamins, calcium supplements or iron preparations. You must not take BRUFEN 400MG if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.During treatment with BRUFEN 400MG, inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, as BRUFEN 400MG could cause serious side effects. Your doctor will decide if you are suitable for treatment with this medicine and if you are healthy enough to take this medicine.
Taking BRUFEN 400MG tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver or heart problems. Your doctor will decide how many tablets you need to take and when. You should also tell the doctor if you are suffering from ulcers, bleeding problems or blood clotting disorders. BRUFEN 400MG may also increase the risk of stomach ulcers, stroke or blood clotting disorder. Also, you should tell the doctor if you are allergic to NSAIDs, aspirin or multivitamins.Taking BRUFEN 400MG tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also, let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. BRUFEN 400MG can cause side effects in newborns but they are rare.Taking other medicines: This medicine is not recommended for immediate treatment while taking multivitamins, calcium supplements and iron preparations. Also, you should not take BRUFEN 400MG if you are taking any other medicines including non-prescription medicines, herbal products, oral contraceptives, anticancer chemotherapy medicines or HIV medicines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.Taking BRUFEN 400MG tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. BRUFEN 400MG can cause side effects in newborns. Birth defectsCheck with your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant while taking this medicine.
Dosing varies according to the patient. Children below 3 months old should be given the lowest dose possible and then gradually increased to find the right dose.
For adults, the recommended dose is 800 mg once daily. For children, the recommended dose is 200 mg daily. For children below 3 months of age, the recommended dose is 100 mg three times daily, and then increased to a maximum of 200 mg daily. If needed, the dose can be increased by 50%, and then slowly decreased to a maximum of 400 mg every 12 hours. The maximum recommended dose is 1000 mg three times daily.
The first thing you should do is to follow the directions on the package on the package label for children below 3 months old. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Do not use the medicine unless advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
The use of ibuprofen in children has been associated with a small amount of breast milk in some infants. It may be necessary to use the medicine in children with a milk-related condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or severe diarrhea.
Children younger than 12 years old should use the medicine only after consulting a doctor and doing all the necessary tests to find out the correct dose.