The Cost of Antivenom: A Cost Minimization Study using the North American Snakebite Registry.
Publication/Presentation Date
4-14-2025
Abstract
UNLABELLED: Envenomation is a global health issue, with over 9,000 encounters managed in the United States yearly. The introduction of immunoglobulin fragment antivenom has reduced the risk of hypersensitivity. This study compares treatment costs of crotaline envenomation using the Fab and F(ab')
METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of NASBR data between 2018 and 2020. The following data points were assessed: patient demographics (age, gender, race), snake species, type of antivenom used, and treatment costs. Unit costs were estimated based on United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data. Average (mean) per patient costs from the payer perspective were calculated by multiplying resources by the unit costs. Sensitivity analyses were performed regarding cost variance and snake species. All costs reported in this study are in U.S. dollars.
RESULTS: The average total cost of treatment was $31,343 per person, with medications contributing 72% of the total. Average total cost among patients who received Fab treatments was $33,347 per person compared to $19,747 among patients who received F(ab')
CONCLUSION: Antivenom is the primary cost driver in snakebite treatment in North America. Treatment with F(ab')
ISSN
1937-6995
Published In/Presented At
Herzel, B., Batavia, N., Gavaza, P., Phan, T., Samones, E., Ruha, A. M., Furmaga, J., Hoyte, C., Wolk, B. J., & ToxIC Snakebite Study Group (2025). The Cost of Antivenom: A Cost Minimization Study using the North American Snakebite Registry. Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 10.1007/s13181-025-01072-x. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-025-01072-x
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
40227519
Department(s)
Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, Department of Emergency Medicine Residents, Toxicology Division, Fellows and Residents
Document Type
Article