Economic comparison of nimesulide and diclofenac, and the incidence of adverse events in the treatment of rheumatic disease in Greece.

Abstract

In Greece a 15-day treatment of rheumatic disease with diclofenac costs 56% more than treatment with nimesulide. This is due to the lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events with nimesulide, and the absence of serious gastrointestinal complications leading to hospitalization, which more than offset the higher acquisition cost of nimesulide. The average saving by using nimesulide instead of diclofenac is about US$21 per patient for a 15-day treatment period.