Risk Factors and Causes of Intrauterine Death

Abstract

is an equally efficacious alternative to urinary derived FSH, Menopur®. One differences between these products is their delivery devices; Gonal f® is provided as a multidose pen, Menopur® in vials or multidose preparation, and Bemfola® as a fixed dose pen. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of delivery device on drug wastage and associated cost. Methods: A retrospective analysis of Gonal-f® and Menopur® prescription and usage data from five UK infertility clinics was conducted to identify the level of wastage occurring from IVF cycles. Data collected included: number IVF cycles conducted in previous 12 months; daily dose; length of treatment; dose adjustment following ultrasound scan and FSH formulation(s) prescribed. The drug wastage for each patient was calculated and results compared to the potential Bemfola® wastage for these patients. The wastage cost was then determined using NHS list prices. Results: A total of 4724 IVF cycles were incorporated into the analysis. Of the 4078 Gonal-f® cycles, overall drug wastage was 650,775IU (5.7% of total dose prescribed) equating to 160IU per patient. For the 646 Menopur® cycles the wastage was 190,163IU (11.6% of total dose prescribed) equating to 294IU per patient. Had Bemfola® been used in these patients, the wastage would have been reduced to 104IU and 61IU per patient respectively. The use of Bemfola®, across all cycles, results in a drug wastage reduction of 376,800IUs and an associated cost saving of £100,011. Extrapolating this data to the annual number of UK IVF cycles results in a potential cost saving of £1,157,579. ConClusions: Using Bemfola® as an alternative to Gonal-f® or Menopur® can potentially reduce drug wastage and associated costs to both patients and the NHS.