Pharmacoeconomics

Aim: The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the terminology, technology and methodology of pharmacoeconomic evaluations. The choice is made because there is small number of reviews on this subject in Macedonia, and also because of the subject actuality.Methods: There are four common types of methods of cost-outcomes economic evaluations: Cost-minimisation analysis, Cost-effectiveness analysis, Cost-utility analysis and Cost-benefit analysis. Results: There are 4 possible results arising in Cost-effectiveness analysis: the costs are lower and health benefits higher for one drug relative to another, the new drug is more expensive and less effective, the drug is more expensive and more effective and the drug is cheaper but less effective.Conclusion: Pharmacoeconomic methods are used to assist physicians, hospitals, insurers, patients and healthcare professionals in making proper decisions what drug therapies should be chosen. The goal is to find the most efficient and effective treatment for the lowest cost, optimising the patient outcomes and decreasing costs to society.