Sweden's TLV rejects 1st-line use of Pfizer's Lipitor, cites "20 times" cost differential

Sweden's Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency, the TLV, has presented its review of lipid-lowering drugs, effective June 1, in a  ruling expected to save up to 170.0 million kronor ($19.9 million) per  year. The Agency said: "the funds can, in part, be used to improve the  treatment of stroke within the health care system according to the new  guidelines." The TLV's reimbursement decisions mean that a Swedish  patient pays a maximum of 1,800 kronor per year for prescription drugs.

Statins are "obvious first line of treatment"

The reimbursement review noted that about 30,000 people in Sweden suffer  a stroke every year, making it the third biggest cause of death after  heart disease and cancer. Statins, which reduce low-density lipoprotein  are "the obvious first line of treatments," according to the National  Board of Health and Welfare. The TLV, however, notes cost variations of  up to 20 times between the most expensive branded cholesterol lowerers  and cheaper, generic versions.