Therapeutic Interchange of H 2 Antagonists: Cost Savings and Impact on Outcomes

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure the annual cost savings associated with implementation of a histamine-2 receptor (H₂) antagonist therapeutic interchange program and to compare specific preimplementation and postimplementation outcome measures, specifically the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and treatment failures. An analysis of all H₂ antagonist patients was conducted at a private 59-bed, long-term, acute-care facility—1-year prior to and 1 year after an H₂ antagonist therapeutic interchange program was implemented. The institution achieved a 99+% conversion of market share to famotidine products. Cost savings during the first year equaled $14,141. No ADRs associated with H₂ antagonists were reported during the 1-year preimplementation study period. One ADR potentially associated with H₂ antagonists was reported during the 1-year postimplementation study period. There was one treatment failure during each of the study periods.