Background In Italy, four parental formulations are currently approved for Multiple Sclerosis: interferon-β 1a (Avonex and Rebif), interferon-β 1b (Betaferon and Extavia) and glatiramer (Copaxone). In this study the appropriateness of the prescription, patient compliance and pharmacoeconomic profile were evaluated for each drug.

Purpose The aim of this study was to test a particular database, FarmaDDSS, designed to follow patients through the hospital pharmacy where they receive the prescribed dose. This approach allows us to calculate important drug use parameters such as Received Daily Dose (RDD), Prescribed Daily Dose (PDD).

Materials and methods In order to monitor prescriptions for drugs, a database was created, called ‘FarmaDDSS’, to enter drug use data such as RDD, PDD, appropriateness of the prescription, patient compliance and physician compliance. Economic considerations were made depending on the daily used dose of study drugs. The following data were loaded in the FarmaDDSS database: patient demographics, drug used, dosage and date of delivery of the drug.

Results There were 117 patients in this four-year study. RDD and PDD and related costs were calculated for each drug. The RDD values, calculated over four years, between 2007 and 2010, for Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Rebif 22 and 44 were 4.65, 3.92, 19.75, 9.05 and 18.82, respectively. Appropriateness of the prescribing and patient compliance were approaching the figure 1, thus showing a good clinical profile for all drugs except for Rebif. Calculating the cost per RDD, the most expensive drug seems to be the Rebif with a cost of € 36.00 per day.

Conclusions It is very important to use the RDD as parameter of pharmacoeconomic valuation because it represents a more reliable indicator than the DDD. In this case the computerisation plays an important role in following the patient, especially in this type of pathology.