COST SAVINGS ASSOCIATED WITH EMICIZUMAB REPACKAGING IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH HEMOPHILIA A
European Statement
Production and Compounding
Author(s)
Saldaña Soria Raquel, Florit Sánchez María, Yunquera Romero Lucía, Fernández Martín Jesús, Gallego Fernández Carmen, Tortajada Goitia Begoña
Why was it done?
The aim of this protocol is to evaluate and quantify the cost saving of the optimisation of the use of emicizumab vials through repackaging into syringe under aseptic conditions.
What was done?
Emicizumab is indicated for routine prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A. This drug has a significant economic impact, so it has been decided to initiate a protocol for the use of emicizumab in which it has been established to group patients and dispense pre-filled syringes of repackaged emicizumab for each patient, dividing the vials according to the patient’s dose in the syringes as a savings strategy.
How was it done?
Two male patients, aged 4 and 5 years, with hemophilia A, have been treated with emicizumab in our hospital from February 2022 to September 2024. A protocol was implemented consisting of dispensing repackaged pre-filled syringes of emicizumab (expiry date 7 days according to the Good Practice Guide for the preparation of medicines) to each patient, grouping the patients receiving treatment with emicizumab on the same day for dispensing and dividing the vial into syringes to adjust it to the recommended dose according to the Technical Data Sheet in a laminar flow cabinet.
What has been achieved?
This treatment would have cost 337.125,95€ from February 2022 to September 2024. However, since patients (grouped on the same day of the week) were dispensed repackaged emicizumab pre-filled syringes and emicizumab repackaging was performed under aseptic conditions, the total cost has been 168.562,98€. Therefore the cost savings would be 168.562,98€ (63.211,12 €/year).
In conclusion, this new way of working can allow us to save 63.211,12€ (43 vials of 30 mg) every year. For this reason, the repackaging could represent a significant economic saving in patients with hemophilia A, while contributing to maintaining the sustainability of the national health system.
What next?
We hope to include all patients from our hospital in the emicizumab optimization protocol to continue contributing to the sustainability of the national health system.