PHARMACOECONOMICS: A TOOL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF DRUGS EXPENDITURES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Abstract

Pharmacoeconomics is the application of economics to the study of pharmaceuticals optimizing the financial expenditure without impairment to the treatment of the patient. Different pharmaeconomics studies can be employed, such as: cost minimization, cost-utility analysis, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness. The objective of this study was to review the concepts of pharmacoeconomics and pharmacoeconomics, showing the main characteristics and examples of applicability in hospitals. A literature survey was conducted in the databases Scielo, Lilacs and Medline, selecting 16 articles in the period of January to March 2014, published in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The scarcity and limited resources of Brazilian public hospitals coupled with the aging population make pharmacoeconomics an important tool for decision making regarding the pharmacological features, letting you choose the best treatment option for patient, with the best cost-benefit to the hospital.