Utilization of Glycoprotein IIB/IIIA Receptor Antagonists in the Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome: Focus on Patient Characteristics and Formulary Decisions

• Published in: Hospital pharmacy (Philadelphia) 2001-10, Vol.36 (10), p.1052-1060
• Main Authors: Cheng, Judy W.M., Greenberg, Karin A., Mehl, Bernard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0018-5787; 1945-1253
• DOI: 10.1177/001857870103601008

This study described the utilization of glycoprotein IIB/IIIA inhibitors (GP IIB/IIIAs) in a tertiary-care center. Medical records of 316 patients receiving GP IIB/IIIA were reviewed. Patient demographics, medical history, coronary intervention, and outcomes were recorded and compared among groups based on specific GP IIB/IIIA used. The majority of GP IIB/IIIA was used for coronary interventions. Two patients died during hospitalization (1 tirofiban, 1 combination abciximab and tirofiban). Ten patients developed thrombocytopenia (5 tirofiban, 2 epti-fibatide). For coronary interventions, eptifibatide was the more economical therapy. For unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, tirofiban became the most economical therapy. Based on this data, a marginal cost saving of $676 per 316 patients would be achieved if abciximab and eptifibatide were used only. The selection of agents of choice in individual institutions should be based on data from clinical trials and pharmacoeconomic studies, as well as the institution-specific patient population and practice.