INTRODUCTION: there are special concerns with costs of anti-TNF therapy in CD. The purpose of this study was a cost-minimization analysis with IFX and ADA in induction and maintenance of remission for one year, in different weight groups.
METHOD: pharmacoeconomics simulation of cost-minimization in CD management. The total were based only in the drug costs in public and private health systems. Indirect findings such as infusion costs were not analyzed.
RESULTS: the cost with IFX treatment for one year, in public system, was R$ 29.411,12 (between 20 and 40 kg), R$ 44.116,68 (between 41 and 60 kg), R$ 58.822,24 (between 61 and 80 kg) e R$ 73.527,80 (between 81 and 100 kg). The cost with ADA treatment was R$ 52.045,16, not related to weight differences. Private system and loss of response simulation findings are described in the article.
CONCLUSIONS: there were lower costs with IFX below 60 kg, and with ADA above this specific weight. In loss of response to IFX situations, there were lower costs with changing to ADA strategy above 40 kg of weight.
