Abstract
Background: Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a novel form of emergency contraception (EC) that appears to be more effective than the prevailing method, single-dose levonorgestrel (LNG). This study examines the cost-efficacy of UPA compared with LNG. Study Design: A decision-analytic model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of UPA versus LNG in preventing unintended pregnancy when taken within 120 h of unprotected intercourse. Univariate and bivariate sensitivity analyses, as well as Monte Carlo simulation and threshold analyses, were performed. Results: Utilizing UPA instead of LNG would result in 37,589 fewer unintended pregnancies per 4,176,572 estimated US annual EC uses (UPA 54,295 pregnancies; LNG 91,884 pregnancies) and a societal savings of $116.3 million annually. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curve analyses suggest a 96% probability that UPA is more cost-effective at a willingness to pay $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year. Conclusions: UPA is cost-effective in preventing unintended pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Efforts should be promoted to increase access to UPA.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 385-390 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Contraception |
Volume | 87 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2013 |
Keywords
- Cost-effective analysis
- Emergency contraception
- Levonorgestrel
- Ulipristal acetate
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology