Cost-Effectiveness of a Fixed Combination of Hydroquinone/Tretinoin/Fluocinolone Cream Compared with Hydroquinone Alone in the Treatment of Melasma

Background: A once-daily fixed combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide (Tri-luma) is a newly available treatment for melasma.

Objective: To assess cost-effectiveness of triple combination therapy (TCT) applied once daily and hydroquinone alone applied twice daily in the US, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia from a payer’s perspective.

Methods: Clinical data and utilazation of key health resources (medication only) were assessed within an 8-week- clinical trial conducted in Brazil. Total cost per primary success (complete clearing) was used to compare each treatment with not treating and incremental cost effectiveness ratios were used to compare between treatments.

Results and Conclusion: TCT has a 30% better rate of complete clearing than hydroquinone with a lower cost in the hydroquinone. Results were robust to varying assumptions of success rates ans quantity used.

Keywords: Hydroquinone, melasma