[Cost-effectiveness of Antipsychotics in the Maintenance Treatment of Schizophrenia in Colombia].

OBJECTIVE: Assess the cost-effectiveness of the antipsychotics for treatment of schizophrenia.

METHODS: A five-year Markov model was built form patients with schizophrenia on the stage of maintenance. Costs were taken from the perspective of the Colombian health care system (Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud). The effectiveness was measured in years of life under the same maintenance plan.

RESULTS: The Markov model indicated clozapine as the as the most cost-effective alternative between the first line antipsychotics and haloperidol is it when comparing other antipsychotics.

CONCLUSION: Clozapine it's the cost-effectiveness strategy among the first line of antipsychotics and haloperidol is it among the other antipsychotics. Strategies prioritizing the use of cost-effective antipsychotics could improve the resources allocation in the Colombian health care system.