Analysis of the Costs Associated With the Elective Evaluation of Patients Labelled as Allergic to Beta-Lactams or Nonsteroidal Antiinflamatory Agents

Abstract

Introduction: Being labelled as allergic to different drugs results in patients receiving other treatments, which are more toxic, less effective and more expensive. We aimed to analyze different studies of the costs of drug hypersensitivity assessment. Methods: A bibliographic search on studies regarding this issue was performed, including the available scientific evidence up to June 2020. We searched three databases with terms related to costs and allergy testing in drug hypersensitivity reactions. Results: Our search revealed 1,430 publications, of which 20 met the inclusion criteria. In the manuscript, prospective studies evaluating the costs of the evaluation of patients with suspected allergy to beta-lactams or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are analyzed. Also, comment is made on the costs associated with incorrect labeling as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or penicillin hypersensitivity. Conclusions: Taking all costs into account, the study of drug hypersensitivity is not expensive, particularly considering the economic and clinical consequences of labeling a patient with hypersensitivity to drugs.