The direct cost of medication in asthmatic Greek children

<bold>Background:</bold> Childhood asthma is known to result in a significant economic burden for both the family and the healthcare system. Nevertheless, there are few relevant studies worldwide, none of them in Greece, that study the costs of the disease. <bold>Objective:</bold> Estimating the direct cost of medication in Greek children with asthma. <bold>Methods:</bold> A prospective study involving 85 children and adolescents who presented for the first time to a tertiary care pediatric asthma clinic during 2017-2018 and were followed for one year. To calculate the cost of medication related to the disease and after the written consent of the parents, we consulted the electronic prescription platform, which has been operating in Greece since 2011 and includes all residents of the country. Drug costs per patient were then calculated using retail price data from the national drug price list. <bold>Results:</bold> Eighty-five patients had a mean age of 8.52 (± 2.69). The cost per patient shows a significant range (0 – 585.86€), while the average cost per patient is estimated at 206.10€ during follow-up (9-12 months). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> The mean cost of asthma treatment in children is 206 euros for almost a year's period. Calculating the direct pharmaceutical cost of asthma in children and adolescents for the first time in Greece can be a valuable tool for doctors, health economics scientists, and experts who plan health policies with the aim of optimal and cost-effective treatment options.