Opicapone and Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion: The Way Forward Towards Cost Savings for Healthcare Systems?

J Parkinsons Dis. 2020;10(4):1535-1539. doi: 10.3233/JPD-202022.

Abstract

Combined catechol-O-methyl-transferase-inhibition and Levodopa-Carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion has the potential to reduce LCIG daily dose and the costs of this therapy. In this retrospective analysis, we report on Parkinson's disease (PD) patients on LCIG with concomitant Opicapone. In 11 patients, the introduction of Opicapone led to LCIG daily dose being reduced by 24.8% (p = 0.05) without any significant worsening of dyskinesia. Three patients withdrew from Opicapone due to side effects or inefficacy. LCIG daily dose reduction could lead to cost savings of £142,820.63/year in the United Kingdom while maintaining clinical care.

Keywords: Catechol-O-methyl-transferase-inhibitor; Levodopa-Carbidopa intestinal gel; Opicapone; cost savings; intrajejunal Levodopa infusion.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carbidopa* / administration & dosage
  • Carbidopa* / economics
  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors* / administration & dosage
  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors* / economics
  • Cost Savings*
  • Delivery of Health Care / economics*
  • Dopamine Agonists* / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Agonists* / economics
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Gels
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps, Implantable
  • Infusions, Parenteral
  • Levodopa* / administration & dosage
  • Levodopa* / economics
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxadiazoles* / administration & dosage
  • Oxadiazoles* / economics
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Parkinson Disease / economics*
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Drug Combinations
  • Gels
  • Oxadiazoles
  • carbidopa, levodopa drug combination
  • Levodopa
  • Carbidopa
  • opicapone