Modelling the net resource implications and budget impact of using generic docetaxel instead of branded docetaxel in Spain

Aim: To estimate the resource implications and budget impact of using generic docetaxel (Docetaxel Hospira, a solution ready for infusion) instead of branded docetaxel (Taxotere, a twin vial concentrate to be reconstituted) to treat cancer patients in Spain, from the hospital pharmacies’ perspective.Methods: A decision model depicting the preparation pathways for branded docetaxel and generic docetaxel was constructed using published evidence and pharmacist-derived resource utilisation estimates. The model was used to estimate the net resource implications and budget impact to hospital pharmacies in Spain of using generic docetaxel instead of branded docetaxel.Results: Reconstituting branded docetaxel into a solution for infusion was estimated to take a pharmacy technician a mean 25 minutes, whereas generic docetaxel is a ready made-up solution. Use of generic docetaxel instead of branded docetaxel in an average Spanish hospital pharmacy preparing 1,400 docetaxel infusions annually would potentially release 560 pharmacy technician man-hours per annum for alternative use and afford an annual cost-saving of €0.4 million. This equates to 40,480 pharmacy technician man-hours per annum for all hospital pharmacies across Spain preparing 97,000 docetaxel infusions annually and a costsaving of €28.4 million. The model also indicated the potential savings that could be accrued in hospital pharmacies in other European countries.Conclusion: Use of generic docetaxel instead of branded docetaxel has the potential to release hospital pharmacy resources for alternative use and reduce corresponding costs, thereby improving the efficiency of hospital pharmacies across Spain.