Comparing costs of intramuscular and oral vitamin B₁₂ administration in primary care: A cost-minimization analysis

Figures & data

Table I.  Cost of vitamin B₁₂ replacement: first and second year.

Cost per year in £ (and €)	First year		Second year
	Intramuscular	Oral	Intramuscular	Oral
Medication	9.84 (14.6)	25.55 (37.9)	9.84 (14.6)	25.55 (37.9)
GP/nursing time	36–80 (53.5–118.8)	Included in conversion costs	36–80 (53.5–118.8)	—
Syringe and needle	0.15 (0.2)	—	0.15 (0.2)	—
Conversion costs	—	90–213 (133.7–316.3)	—	—
Laboratory monitoring	10 (14.8)	10 (14.8)	10 (14.8)	10 (14.8)
Total	55.99–99.99 (83.1–148.5)	125.55–248.55 (186.5–369.1)	55.99–99.99 (83.1–148.5)	35.55 (52.8)

Table II.  Costs of intramuscular and oral vitamin B₁₂ in the first and second year depending on whether home visits are required.

Cost per year in £ (and €)	First year			Second year
	Intramuscular	Oral	Difference	Intramuscular	Oral	Difference
No home visit	55.99 (83.1)	125.55 (186.5€)	69.56 (103.3)	55.99 (83.1)	35.55 (52.8)	−20.44 (30.3)
Home visit	99.99 (148.5)	248.55 (369.1€)	148.56 (220.6)	99.99 (148.5)	n.a. ^a	−64.44 (95.7)

^a No home visits required in the second year with oral vitamin B₁₂ treatment.