Modeling the 5‐year cost effectiveness of treatment strategies including tumor necrosis factor‐blocking agents and leflunomide for treating rheumatoid arthritis in the Netherlands

Abstract Objective To determine the cost effectiveness of treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis patients satisfying the indication for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐blocking treatment. Methods A Markov model study was performed. The following treatment strategies were considered: 1) usual treatment; 2) treatment with leflunomide, in the case of nonresponse after 3 months, switch to usual treatment; 3) TNF‐blocking treatment, in the case of nonresponse after 3 months, switch to usual treatment; 4) treatment with leflunomide, in the case of nonresponse, switch to TNF‐blocking treatment, in... Mehr ...