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Chen HH, Yemeke T, Ozawa S. Reduction of biologic pricing following biosimilar introduction: Analysis across 57 countries and regions, 2012-19. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304851. [PMID: 38843282 PMCID: PMC11156405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of the entry of biosimilars on the pricing of eight biologic products in 57 countries and regions. METHODS We utilized an interrupted time series design and IQVIA MIDAS® data to analyze the annual sales data of eight biologic products (adalimumab, bevacizumab, epoetin, etanercept, filgrastim, infliximab, pegfilgrastim, and trastuzumab) across 57 countries and regions from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2019. We examined the immediate and long-term changes in biologics ex-manufacturer pricing following the entry of biosimilars to the market. RESULTS Following the entry of biosimilars, the average price per dose of biologic product was immediately reduced by $438 for trastuzumab, $112 for infliximab, and $110 for bevacizumab. The persistent effect of biosimilars' market entry led to further reductions in price per dose every year: by $49 for adalimumab, $290 for filgrastim, $21 for infliximab, and $189 for trastuzumab. Similarly, we analyzed the impact of biosimilars on four biologics' prices in the US, where the prices of three biologics significantly decreased every year, with filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, and infliximab decreasing by $955, $753, and $104, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of biosimilars has significantly reduced the prices of biologics both globally and in the US. These findings not only demonstrate the economic benefits of increasing biosimilar utilization, but also emphasize the importance of biosimilars in controlling healthcare costs. Policies should aim to expand the availability of biosimilars to counteract the exponential growth of medical spending caused by the use of biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Han Chen
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Tatenda Yemeke
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Sachiko Ozawa
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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Schmidt T, Juday C, Patel P, Karmarkar T, Smith-Howell ER, Fendrick AM. Expanding the Catalog of Patient and Caregiver Out-of-Pocket Costs: A Systematic Literature Review. Popul Health Manag 2024; 27:70-83. [PMID: 38099925 PMCID: PMC10877382 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2023.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Out-of-pocket (OOP) health care expenditures in the United States have increased significantly in the past 5 decades. Most research on OOP costs focuses on expenditures related to insurance and cost-sharing payments or on costs related to specific conditions or settings, and does not capture the full picture of the financial burden on patients and unpaid caregivers. The aim for this systematic literature review was to identify and categorize the multitude of OOP costs to patients and unpaid caregivers, aid in the development of a more comprehensive catalog of OOP costs, and highlight potential gaps in the literature. The authors found that OOP costs are multifarious and underestimated. Across 817 included articles, the authors identified 31 subcategories of OOP costs related to direct medical (eg, insurance premiums), direct nonmedical (eg, transportation), and indirect spending (eg, absenteeism). In addition, 42% of articles studied an expenditure that the authors did not label as "OOP." A holistic and comprehensive catalog of OOP costs can inform future research, interventions, and policies related to financial barriers to health care in the United States to ensure the full range of costs for patients and unpaid caregivers are acknowledged and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - A. Mark Fendrick
- University of Michigan School of Medicine/School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Lee J, Martindale J, Makris UE, Singh N, Yung R, Bynum JPW. Initiation of Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Older Medicare Beneficiaries With New Diagnosis of Late-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis. ACR Open Rheumatol 2023; 5:694-700. [PMID: 37872884 PMCID: PMC10716804 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) account for up to one-third of the RA population and are less likely to receive optimal treatment. For the subgroup of older adults with late-onset RA (LORA), who experience more symptomatic and progressive disease, suboptimal treatment could be more consequential than the general population who age with RA. We evaluated use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in older adults with a new diagnosis of LORA. METHODS In this retrospective observational study, we identified adults 66 years of age or older with a new diagnosis of LORA using Medicare data from 2008 to 2017. Information on baseline patient characteristics and DMARD initiation during the first 12 months after LORA diagnosis were collected. We also assessed concomitant use of glucocorticoids (GCs). RESULTS We identified 33,373 older adults with new diagnosis of LORA. Average age at LORA diagnosis was 76.7 (SD 7.6); 75.4% were female, 76.9% were White, and 35.6% had low-income subsidy (LIS). Less than one-third were initiated on a DMARD (28.9%). In multivariable analyses, DMARD initiation was associated with younger age, fewer comorbidities, and absence of LIS status. Concomitant long-term (>3 months) GC use was higher among those on any DMARD (44.3%) compared with those without (15.2%). CONCLUSIONS DMARD initiation after new diagnosis of LORA is low despite current clinical practice guidelines recommending early aggressive initiation of treatment. Long-term GC use is common among those on any DMARDs, raising concern for suboptimal DMARD use. Further studies are needed to understand drivers of DMARD use in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Una E. Makris
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and VA North Texas Health Care SystemDallasTexas
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Aguirre A, DeQuattro K, Shiboski S, Katz P, Greenlund KJ, Barbour KE, Gordon C, Lanata C, Criswell LA, Dall'Era M, Yazdany J. Medication Cost Concerns and Disparities in Patient-Reported Outcomes Among a Multiethnic Cohort of Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Rheumatol 2023; 50:1302-1309. [PMID: 37321640 PMCID: PMC10543599 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.2023-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Concerns about the affordability of medications are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the relationship between medication cost concerns and health outcomes is poorly understood. We assessed the association of self-reported medication cost concerns and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in a multiethnic SLE cohort. METHODS The California Lupus Epidemiology Study is a cohort of individuals with physician-confirmed SLE. Medication cost concerns were defined as having difficulties affording SLE medications, skipping doses, delaying refills, requesting lower-cost alternatives, purchasing medications outside the United States, or applying for patient assistance programs. Linear regression and mixed effects models assessed the cross-sectional and longitudinal association of medication cost concerns and PROs, respectively, adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, income, principal insurance, immunomodulatory medications, and organ damage. RESULTS Of 334 participants, medication cost concerns were reported by 91 (27%). Medication cost concerns were associated with worse Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ; beta coefficient [β] 5.9, 95% CI 4.3-7.6; P < 0.001), 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8; β 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-4.0; P < 0.001), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS; β for physical function -4.6, 95% CI -6.7 to -2.4; P < 0.001) scores after adjusting for covariates. Medication cost concerns were not associated with significant changes in PROs over 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION More than a quarter of participants reported at least 1 medication cost concern, which was associated with worse PROs. Our results reveal a potentially modifiable risk factor for poor outcomes rooted in the unaffordability of SLE care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Aguirre
- A. Aguirre, MD, M. Dall'Era, MD, J. Yazdany, MD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, California;
| | - Kimberly DeQuattro
- K. DeQuattro, MD, Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephen Shiboski
- S. Shiboski, PhD, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Patricia Katz
- P. Katz, PhD, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Kurt J Greenlund
- K.J. Greenlund, PhD, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kamil E Barbour
- K.E. Barbour, PhD, MPH, Lupus and Interstitial Cystitis Programs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Caroline Gordon
- C. Gordon, MD, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Cristina Lanata
- C. Lanata, MD, Genomics of Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Section, National Human Genome Research Section, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lindsey A Criswell
- L.A. Criswell, MD, MPH, DSc, Genomics of Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Section, National Human Genome Research Section, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland USA
| | - Maria Dall'Era
- A. Aguirre, MD, M. Dall'Era, MD, J. Yazdany, MD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jinoos Yazdany
- A. Aguirre, MD, M. Dall'Era, MD, J. Yazdany, MD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Lomanto Silva R, Swabe GM, Sattui SE, Magnani JW. Association of patient copayment and medication adherence in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:e000966. [PMID: 37852670 PMCID: PMC10603349 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-000966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of medication copayment and treatment adherence to hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants for SLE. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of health claims data using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Individuals with SLE continuously enrolled for 180 days from 1 July 2010 to 31 December 2019 were included. Adherence was defined as the proportion of days covered ≥80%. Copayment for a 30-day supply of medication was dichotomised as high (≥$10) or low (<$10). We examined the association between copayment and odds of adherence in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, including age, sex, race or ethnicity, comorbidities, educational attainment and household income. RESULTS We identified 12 510 individuals (age 54.2±15.5 years; 88.2% female sex), of whom 9510 (76%) were prescribed hydroxychloroquine and 1880 (15%) prescribed hydroxychloroquine and an additional immunosuppressant (azathioprine, methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil). Median (IQR) 30-day copayments were $8 (4-10) for hydroxychloroquine, $7 (2-10) for azathioprine, $8 (3-11) for methotrexate and $10 (5-20) for mycophenolate mofetil. High copayments were associated with OR of adherence of 0.61 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.68) for hydroxychloroquine, OR 0.44 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.66) for azathioprine and OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.96) for mycophenolate mofetil. For methotrexate, the association was not significant. CONCLUSION In a large, administrative health claims database, we identified that high copayments were associated with reduced adherence to commonly prescribed medications for SLE. Incorporating awareness of the burden of copayments and its consequences into healthcare is essential to promote optimal medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raisa Lomanto Silva
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gretchen M Swabe
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sebastian Eduardo Sattui
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jared W Magnani
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Eisman JA, Cortet B, Boolell M, Ionescu-Ittu R, Vekeman F, Heroux J, Thomasius F. Fracture risk in women with osteoporosis initiated on gastro-resistant risedronate versus immediate release risedronate or alendronate: a claims data analysis in the USA. Osteoporos Int 2023; 34:977-991. [PMID: 36872338 PMCID: PMC10104910 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-022-06627-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The study results indicate that women with osteoporosis initiated on gastro-resistant risedronate have a lower risk of fracture than those initiated on immediate release risedronate or alendronate. A large proportion of women discontinued all oral bisphosphonate therapies within 1 year of treatment start. PURPOSE Using a US claims database (2009-2019), we compared risk of fractures between women with osteoporosis initiated on gastro-resistant (GR) risedronate and those initiated on (a) immediate release (IR) risedronate or (b) immediate release alendronate. METHODS Women aged ≥ 60 years with osteoporosis who had ≥ 2 oral bisphosphonate prescription fills were followed for ≥ 1 year after the first observed bisphosphonates dispensing (index date). Fracture risk was compared between the GR risedronate and IR risedronate/alendronate cohorts using adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs), both overall and in subgroups with high fracture risk due to older age or comorbidity/medications. Site-specific fractures were identified based on diagnosis codes recorded on medical claims using a claims-based algorithm. Persistence on bisphosphonate therapy was evaluated for all groups. RESULTS aIRRs generally indicated lower fracture risk for GR risedronate than IR risedronate and alendronate. When comparing GR risedronate to IR risedronate, statistically significant aIRRs (p < 0.05) were observed for pelvic fractures in the full cohorts (aIRRs = 0.37), for any fracture and pelvic fractures among women aged ≥ 65 years (aIRRs = 0.63 and 0.41), for any fracture and pelvic fractures among women aged ≥ 70 years (aIRRs = 0.69 and 0.24), and for pelvic fracture among high-risk women due to comorbidity/medications (aIRR = 0.34). When comparing GR risedronate to alendronate, statistically significant aIRRs were observed for pelvic fractures in the full cohorts (aIRR = 0.54), for any fracture and wrist/arm fractures among women aged ≥ 65 years (aIRRs = 0.73 and 0.63), and for any fracture, pelvic, and wrist/arm fractures among women aged ≥ 70 years (aIRRs = 0.72, 0.36, and 0.58). In all cohorts, ~ 40% completely discontinued oral bisphosphonates within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS Discontinuation rates of oral bisphosphonate therapy were high. However, women initiated on GR risedronate had a significantly lower risk of fracture for several skeletal sites than women initiated on IR risedronate/alendronate, particularly those aged ≥ 70 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Eisman
- Bone Biology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia
- School of Medicine Sydney, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bernard Cortet
- Service de Rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Mitra Boolell
- Theramex, Sloane Square House 1 Holbein Place Belgravia, London, SW1W 8NS, UK.
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Keilman L, Jolaei S, Olsen DP. Moral distress and patients who forego care due to cost. Nurs Ethics 2023; 30:370-381. [PMID: 36708361 DOI: 10.1177/09697330221134983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the US, many patients forgo recommended care due to cost. The ANA Code of Ethics requires nurses to give care based on need. Therefore, US nurses are compelled to practice in a context which breaches their professional ethical code. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES This study sought to determine if nurses do care for patients who forgo treatment due to cost (PFTDC) and if so, does this result in an experience of moral distress (MD). RESEARCH DESIGN Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT A convenience sample of 20 nurses in practice for at least one year from a variety of health care setting participated. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS This project was approved by the Michigan State University Biomedical Institutional Review Board. RESULTS There were 19 female and one male nurse-participants, averaging 47 years old with an average of 10 years in practice. 18 reported caring for PFTDC. These 17 nurse-participants experienced a moderate degree of MD as a result, averaging 5.4 of 10 on the Moral Distress Thermometer. In the interviews, the following themes were identified, strategies to help PFTDC, and the broken US health care system which had the subthemes of preference for business over patient-oriented benefit, PFTDC using the emergency department, and limited support for treatment/management of PFTDC. CONCLUSIONS The existence of this phenomenon places the profession of nursing in the US in a position of moral compromise and threatens to corrupt the institution of nursing in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Keilman
- College of Nursing, 3078Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Soudabeh Jolaei
- 27355Fraser Health Authority, UBC Center for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, Canada
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Berkovic D, Ayton D, Briggs AM, Ademi Z, Ackerman IN. Personal healthcare costs borne by younger people living with arthritis in Australia: An exploratory observational study. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e2540-e2548. [PMID: 34957623 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Arthritis is a long-term musculoskeletal disease, requiring ongoing management. However, the financial burden of managing arthritis is under-explored and is yet to be quantified from the perspective of individuals with the condition. Using an exploratory observational design, this study aimed to quantify arthritis-related costs borne by a sample of working-age adults aged 18-50 years who responded to the study advertisement. Participants completed a weekly cost diary for 6 weeks, detailing their personal non-reimbursed (out-of-pocket) arthritis-related costs. Financial distress was measured using the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale. Costs data were analysed descriptively. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine relationships between residential location or employment status and out-of-pocket costs. Linear regression and Spearman's rho were used to estimate relationships between age or years since diagnosis and out-of-pocket costs, and between out-of-pocket costs and financial distress respectively. Sixteen adults (median age 40 years, 100% female) with a range of arthritis conditions (median (IQR): 8 (7.5) years since diagnosis) including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis completed the six-week cost diary. All participants reported out-of-pocket expenditure related to arthritis. The median per-person expenditure across the 6 weeks was AUD 1635. The highest reported costs per participant across the 6 weeks were for medical expenses (median AUD 197) and allied health appointments (median AUD 190). In total, the cohort spent AUD 15,272 across the study period. Perceived financial distress was high: median (IQR) financial distress 7 (2.25) on a 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) scale. Positive relationships between age and costs, and between costs and financial distress were identified. These findings help us understand fiscal expenditure and related distress relevant to younger individuals with arthritis, and can be used to raise awareness of their financial concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Berkovic
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Darshini Ayton
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew M Briggs
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Zanfina Ademi
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ilana N Ackerman
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Ding Q, Shiltz D, Hossami D, Konieczny AM. The economic burden of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis patients in the United States. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2022; 22:1231-1241. [PMID: 36004551 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2022.2117690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous U.S. economic burden estimates for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) varied from $85.6 to 148.1 billion annually. However, these estimates do not reflect comparative amounts spent on RA treatment options in addition to other medical expenditures. Therefore, this study's goal was to comparatively analyze the overall economic burden of U.S. patients treated for RA using conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) versus TNF alpha biologic DMARDs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This retrospective observational study analyzed Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component data from 2016 to 2018. Healthcare utilization, total medical expenditures, and out-of-pocket expenditures were compared between RA medication groups. RESULTS Three hundred twenty-five adult RA patients experiencing 603 RA-related events, including at least one medical visit, between 2016 and 2018 were identified. Rheumatic arthritis-attributable medical expenditures among patients prescribed DMARDs were $11.4 billion. Average total medical expenditures were significantly higher for the TNF alpha biologic group $26,216.67 (95% CI: $19,502.84-$32,930.5) versus $5,388.52 (95% CI: $2,768.25-$8,008.79) for the conventional DMARD group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving TNF alpha biologics experienced significantly higher total medical and out-of-pocket expenditures; however, they have experienced fewer or no occurrences of high-cost drivers of healthcare utilization compared to patients receiving conventional DMARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy
| | - Dane Shiltz
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy
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10
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Thomasius F, Palacios S, Alam A, Boolell M, Vekeman F, Gauthier G. Fracture rates and economic outcomes in patients with osteoporosis prescribed risedronate gastro-resistant versus other oral bisphosphonates: a claims data analysis. Osteoporos Int 2022; 33:217-228. [PMID: 34490504 PMCID: PMC8758602 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-021-06108-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Patients with osteoporosis prescribed risedronate gastro-resistant had a lower incidence of fractures versus those prescribed other oral bisphosphonates. Administration of risedronate gastric-resistant does not require fasting, and this more convenient dosing administration may explain its improved efficacy. PURPOSE Up to half of patients do not follow complex dosing instructions of immediate-release bisphosphonates used for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures, which can result in suboptimal effectiveness. Risedronate gastro-resistant (GR) offers a more convenient dosing option by eliminating the need for fasting. This study compares fracture rates and outcomes between osteoporosis women treated with risedronate GR (GR cohort) versus other oral bisphosphonates (other cohort). METHODS Claims from women with osteoporosis in the USA were analyzed. Patients were classified into the two cohorts based on the first oral bisphosphonate observed (index date) and matched 1:1 based on patient characteristics. Patients were observed for ≥ 2 years following the index date. Fracture rates, health care resource utilization and costs, and treatment persistence were compared. RESULTS In total, 2,726 patients were selected in each cohort (median age: 60.0 years). The incidence of fractures was lower in the GR versus the other cohort for any fracture sites (incidence rate ratio, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.70-0.97) and spine fractures (0.71, 0.54-0.95), although the respective rate of medication discontinuation at 2 years was 80.5% and 74.4%. Time to first fracture was delayed for the GR cohort, reaching statistical significance after 36 months. The GR cohort incurred fewer hospitalizations (incidence rate per 1,000 patient-years: GR = 106.74; other = 124.20, p < 0.05) translating into lower hospitalization costs per patient per year (GR = $3,611; other = $4,603, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients prescribed risedronate GR versus other bisphosphonates had a lower incidence of fractures, which may be explained by the fact that the GR formulation is absorbed even when taken with food.
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Hammad M, Bakry H. Satisfaction and Adherence to Biological Treatment in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2021; 18:250-256. [PMID: 34967297 DOI: 10.2174/1573397118666211230101451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases have long been treated by conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Biological therapy is a new era in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, but satisfaction and adherence to it is still not well tested. AIM To assess the satisfaction and adherence to biological treatment among patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted among 56 patients suffering from inflammatory rheumatic diseases using Morisky 8 questionnaire and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) over a period of one month. RESULTS About 76.8% of the patients had medium adherence and the underlying cause of missing doses was the unavailability of the drugs. The mean satisfaction with biological treatment was 62.7±6.9. Patients who did not receive formal education had significantly higher satisfaction with the biological treatment than others 64.94±5.01 at a P value 0.04 (<0.05). CONCLUSION Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases in our study showed medium adherence and satisfaction. Authorities in the medical field are providing great help to these patients in need of biological therapy, but ensuring the availability of all doses of the biological treatment regimen is still necessary. Patient, family and nurse education programs are also necessary to maximize adherence and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Hammad
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Huny Bakry
- Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Shams S, Martinez JM, Dawson JRD, Flores J, Gabriel M, Garcia G, Guevara A, Murray K, Pacifici N, Vargas MV, Voelker T, Hell JW, Ashouri JF. The Therapeutic Landscape of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current State and Future Directions. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:680043. [PMID: 34122106 PMCID: PMC8194305 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.680043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease with grave physical, emotional and socioeconomic consequences. Despite advances in targeted biologic and pharmacologic interventions that have recently come to market, many patients with RA continue to have inadequate response to therapies, or intolerable side effects, with resultant progression of their disease. In this review, we detail multiple biomolecular pathways involved in RA disease pathogenesis to elucidate and highlight pathways that have been therapeutic targets in managing this systemic autoimmune disease. Here we present an up-to-date accounting of both emerging and approved pharmacological treatments for RA, detailing their discovery, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and limitations. Finally, we turn to the emerging fields of bioengineering and cell therapy to illuminate possible future targeted therapeutic options that combine material and biological sciences for localized therapeutic action with the potential to greatly reduce side effects seen in systemically applied treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Shams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Joseph M. Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - John R. D. Dawson
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Juan Flores
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Marina Gabriel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Amanda Guevara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Kaitlin Murray
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Noah Pacifici
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Taylor Voelker
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Johannes W. Hell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Judith F. Ashouri
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim R. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Verma VR, Kumar P, Dash U. Assessing the household economic burden of non-communicable diseases in India: evidence from repeated cross-sectional surveys. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:881. [PMID: 33962625 PMCID: PMC8106177 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10828-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financing for NCDs is encumbered by out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) assuming catastrophic proportions. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the extent of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) on NCDs, which are burgeoning in India. Thus, our paper aims to examine the extent of CHE and impoverishment in India, in conjunction with socio-economic determinants impacting the CHE. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from nationwide healthcare surveys conducted in 2014 and 2017-18. OOPE on both outpatient and inpatient treatment was coalesced to estimate CHE on NCDs. Incidence of CHE was defined as proportion of households with OOPE exceeding 10% of household expenditure. Intensity of catastrophe was ascertained by the measure of Overshoot and Mean Positive Overshoot Indices. Further, impoverishing effects of OOPE were assessed by computing Poverty Headcount Ratio and Poverty Gap Index using India's official poverty line. Concomitantly, we estimated the inequality in incidence and intensity of catastrophic payments using Concentration Indices. Additionally, we delineated the factors associated with catastrophic expenditure using Multinomial Logistic Regression. RESULTS Results indicated enormous incidence of CHE with around two-third households with NCDs facing CHE. Incidence of CHE was concentrated amongst poor that further extended from 2014(CI = - 0.027) to 2017-18(CI = - 0.065). Intensity of CHE was colossal as households spent 42.8 and 34.9% beyond threshold in 2014 and 2017-18 respectively with poor enduring greater overshoot vis-à-vis rich (CI = - 0.18 in 2014 and CI = - 0.23 in 2017-18). Significant immiserating impact of NCDs was unraveled as one-twelfth in 2014 and one-eighth households in 2017-18 with NCD burden were pushed to poverty with poverty deepening effect to the magnitude of 27.7 and 30.1% among those already below poverty on account of NCDs in 2014 and 2017-18 respectively. Further, large inter-state heterogeneities in extent of CHE and impoverishment were found and multivariate analysis indicated absence of insurance cover, visiting private providers, residing in rural areas and belonging to poorest expenditure quintile were associated with increased likelihood of incurring CHE. CONCLUSION Substantial proportion of households face CHE and subsequent impoverishment due to NCD related expenses. Concerted efforts are required to augment the financial risk protection to the households, especially in regions with higher burden of NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veenapani Rajeev Verma
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Piyush Kumar
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Umakant Dash
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the available data describing racial and ethnic health disparities among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States from an epidemiological, disease activity, and wider socioeconomic standpoint. RECENT FINDINGS Despite centralized government initiatives to include more underrepresentative minority populations into research, many of the studies that examined rheumatoid arthritis still fail to include sizeable cohorts of races or ethnic groups other than whites. Evidence is slowly mounting that individual, provider, and system-level barriers exist and contribute to unequal care that leads to poorer outcomes amongst patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease, early treatment is crucial to delay functional decline - a narrow window for many minority patients who are disproportionality affected by disability. SUMMARY To combat the inequality that exists amongst rheumatoid arthritis patients we must focus on why discrepancies exist on every level, system, physician, patient, and illness. Further research is needed to tease the complex interplay between race, social economic status, medical access, and outcomes to explain the disparities found in rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yip
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Division of Rheumatology, New York, NY
| | - Iris Navarro-Millán
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Division of Rheumatology, New York, NY
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, New York, NY
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Rome BN, Gagne JJ, Avorn J, Kesselheim AS. Non-warfarin oral anticoagulant copayments and adherence in atrial fibrillation: A population-based cohort study. Am Heart J 2021; 233:109-121. [PMID: 33358690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with atrial fibrillation, incomplete adherence to anticoagulants increases risk of stroke. Non-warfarin oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are expensive; we evaluated whether higher copayments are associated with lower NOAC adherence. METHODS Using a national claims database of commercially-insured patients, we performed a cohort study of patients with atrial fibrillation who newly initiated a NOAC from 2012 to 2018. Patients were stratified into low (<$35), medium ($35-$59), or high (≥$60) copayments and propensity-score weighted based on demographics, insurance characteristics, comorbidities, prior health care utilization, calendar year, and the NOAC received. Follow-up was 1 year, with censoring for switching to a different anticoagulant, undergoing an ablation procedure, disenrolling from the insurance plan, or death. The primary outcome was adherence, measured by proportion of days covered (PDC). Secondary outcomes included NOAC discontinuation (no refill for 30 days after the end of NOAC supply) and switching anticoagulants. We compared PDC using a Kruskal-Wallis test and rates of discontinuation and switching using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS After weighting patients across the 3 copayment groups, the effective sample size was 17,558 patients, with balance across 50 clinical and demographic covariates (standardized differences <0.1). Mean age was 62 years, 29% of patients were female, and apixaban (43%), and rivaroxaban (38%) were the most common NOACs. Higher copayments were associated with lower adherence (P < .001), with a PDC of 0.82 (Interquartile range [IQR] 0.36-0.98) among those with high copayments, 0.85 (IQR 0.41-0.98) among those with medium copayments, and 0.88 (IQR 0.41-0.99) among those with low copayments. Compared to patients with low copayments, patients with high copayments had higher rates of discontinuation (hazard ratio [HR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.19; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Among atrial fibrillation patients newly initiating NOACs, higher copayments in commercial insurance were associated with lower adherence and higher rates of discontinuation in the first year. Policies to lower or limit cost-sharing of important medications may lead to improved adherence and better outcomes among patients receiving NOACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N Rome
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law; Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - Joshua J Gagne
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law; Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jerry Avorn
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law; Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron S Kesselheim
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law; Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Sacks CA, Van de Wiele VL, Fulchino LA, Patel L, Kesselheim AS, Sarpatwari A. Assessment of Variation in State Regulation of Generic Drug and Interchangeable Biologic Substitutions. JAMA Intern Med 2021; 181:16-22. [PMID: 32865564 PMCID: PMC7489381 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.3588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Brand-name drugs, including biologics, have been the primary source of increasing prescription drug spending in the US. Each state has drug product selection laws that regulate whether and how pharmacists can substitute prescriptions for brand-name drugs with more affordable equivalents, either small-molecule generic drugs or interchangeable biologics, but the details of these laws can vary. OBJECTIVE To examine the variation in state drug product selection laws with regard to factors that may affect which version of a drug is dispensed. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A cross-sectional analysis was performed, using a legal database, to obtain information on state laws of all states plus Washington, DC, as they existed on September 1, 2019. EXPOSURES Whether substitution was mandatory or permissive, patient consent was needed prior to substitution, patient notification of substitution was required independent of the drug's packaging, and/or pharmacists were protected from special risk of liability for substitution. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES For small-molecule and biologic drugs, descriptive statistics were generated for the 4 exposure variables. In addition, for small-molecule drugs, a generic substitution score with a maximum of 1 point was assigned for each exposure variable (range, 0-4 points), with higher scores indicating regulatory requirements limiting substitution. RESULTS This cross-sectional analysis of the generic drug substitution regulations in the 50 US states and Washington, DC, found that for small-molecule drugs, 19 states required pharmacists to perform generic substitution; 7 states and Washington, DC, required patient consent; 31 states and Washington, DC, mandated patient notification independent of the drug's packaging, and 24 states did not explicitly protect pharmacists from greater liability. Nine states and Washington, DC, had a generic substitution score for small-molecule drugs of 3 or higher, and 45 states had more stringent requirements for interchangeable biologic substitution, most commonly mandatory physician notification. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this study suggest that there is a need for optimizing state drug product selection laws to promote generic and interchangeable biologic substitution, which may help improve medication adherence and reduce drug spending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chana A Sacks
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Mongan Institute and Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Victor L Van de Wiele
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lisa A Fulchino
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lajja Patel
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aaron S Kesselheim
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ameet Sarpatwari
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Mouslim MC, Trujillo AJ, Alexander GC, Segal JB. Association Between Filgrastim Biosimilar Availability and Changes in Claim Payments and Patient Out-of-Pocket Costs for Biologic Filgrastim Products. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 23:1599-1605. [PMID: 33248515 PMCID: PMC7748066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the effect of filgrastim-sndz market entry on patient out-of-pocket costs and claim payments for filgrastim products. METHODS This study used a single interrupted time series design with longitudinal, nationally representative, individual-level claims data from IBM MarketScan. Analyses included all outpatient and prescription claims for branded filgrastim (filgrastim and tbo-filgrastim) and biosimilar filgrastim (filgrastim-sndz) from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017. Outcomes of interest included changes in monthly claim payments and monthly patient out-of-pocket costs for filgrastim products. RESULTS In the baseline period (January 2014 to February 2016), insurers paid an average of $472.21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 465.38-479.03) for 480 mcg of branded filgrastim, whereas patients paid an average of $49.26 (CI: 34.25-64.27). Filgrastim-sndz market entry was associated with a statistically significant and immediate 1-month decrease in insurer payment of $30.77 (95% CI: -40.59 to -20.94) and a significant decrease in monthly insurer payment trend of $3.10 per month (95% CI: -3.90 to -2.31) relative to baseline. Long-term changes in patient out-of-pocket costs were modest and restricted to beneficiaries enrolled in high cost sharing plans. CONCLUSIONS Biosimilar filgrastim availability led to significant immediate and long-term decreases in claims payments for filgrastim products, supporting efforts to facilitate biosimilar adoption in the United States. Nevertheless, there were only slight changes in patient out-of-pocket costs, restricted to beneficiaries enrolled in high cost sharing plans, suggesting the importance of further work assessing the relationship between biosimilar availability and patient out-of-pocket costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane C Mouslim
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Antonio J Trujillo
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - G Caleb Alexander
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jodi B Segal
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Heinzlef O, Molinier G, van Hille B, Radoszycki L, Dourgnon P, Longin J. Economic Burden of the Out-of-Pocket Expenses for People with Multiple Sclerosis in France. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2020; 4:593-603. [PMID: 32043229 PMCID: PMC7688762 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-020-00199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with chronic diseases in France frequently incur out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) related to their medical care. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate OOPE incurred by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with respect to direct non-medical and medical expenditure. METHODS Data were collected through a web-based survey using an online patient community platform (Carenity). The survey questionnaire contained 87 questions (numerical response or Likert scale) and took less than 30 min to complete. Participants rated their disability on a ten-point scale. RESULTS In total, 376 patients, with a mean age of 48.3 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 47.2-49.5), participated in the survey. Participants estimated that they spent an average of €127 each month on OOPE for their MS, principally on physician consultations (mean annual expenditure of €75 by 183 participants), non-physician consultations (€358 by 135 participants) and non-prescription medication (mean expense of €67 per pharmacy visit by 234 patients). In total, 77% of participants who needed adaptations to their home or vehicle because of their MS contributed to the cost. No obvious relationship between OOPE and self-rated disability was observed. A total of 61.4% of participants reported that they had to choose between spending money on MS care or on their family and social life. CONCLUSIONS Most patients with MS incurred significant OOPE linked to consultations, non-prescription medications or home equipment and medical equipment. These outlays could lead to dilemmas when choosing between spending on MS care or family or social life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Heinzlef
- Neurology Department, Hôpital De Poissy, 10 Rue Du Champ Gaillard, 78300, Poissy, France
- Ligue Française contre la Sclérose En Plaques (LFSEP), 40 rue Duranton, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Molinier
- Ligue Française contre la Sclérose En Plaques (LFSEP), 40 rue Duranton, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Benoît van Hille
- Medical Affairs Department, Merck S.A.S., 37 rue Saint Romain, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | | | - Paul Dourgnon
- Institut de Recherche et Documentation en Economie de la Santé (IRDES), 10 rue Vauvenargues, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Longin
- Medical Affairs Department, Merck S.A.S., 37 rue Saint Romain, 69008, Lyon, France
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Onukwugha E, McRae J, Camelo Castillo W. Cost-Related Non-Utilization of Health Services and Self-Perceived Reactions to Race. Ethn Dis 2020; 30:399-410. [PMID: 32742142 DOI: 10.18865/ed.30.3.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose There is limited information regarding the prevalence and predictors of cost-related non-utilization (CRNU), while there is increasing attention to the rising out-of-pocket cost of health services including prescription medications. Prior studies have not quantified the role of perceived racism despite its documented relationship with health services utilization. We examine perceptions of reactions to race and quantify their relationship with CRNU. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) public use file, an annual, state-based telephone survey of US adults aged 18 and older. We utilized data for four states that provided responses to five Reactions to Race items, including information about the self-perceived quality of the respondent's health care experience compared with people of other races (worse vs same or better) and whether the respondent experienced physical symptoms because of treatment due to their race. The three binary outcomes were: 1) did not visit a physician; 2) did not visit a physician due to cost; 3) did not fill a prescription due to cost. We estimated covariate-adjusted odds ratios associated with each outcome using logistic regression models. Results The BRFSS sample consisted of 20,366 respondents of whom 8% were African American non-Hispanic, 12% were Hispanic and 73% were White. Three percent of respondents considered their experience to be worse than people of other races. Three percent of individuals reported physical symptoms because of treatment due to their race while 5% of respondents reported becoming emotionally upset because of treatment due to their race. The proportions for the three study outcomes were 11%, 13% and 7%, respectively. In covariate-adjusted models, a worse experience with the health care system was statistically significantly associated with CRNU (physician visit: 2.6 [95% CI: 1.6 - 4.3]). The experience of physical symptoms because of treatment due to race was statistically significantly associated with CRNU (physician visit: 2.6 [95% CI: 1.7 - 4]; prescription fills: 2.1 [1.2 - 3.6]). No Reactions to Race items were associated with general non-utilization. Conclusions Negative perceptions of reactions to race during the time of health services utilization is positively associated with CRNU, ie, foregoing physician visits and prescription fills due to cost.
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Singh JA, Tornberg H, Goodman SM. Pop a pill or give myself a shot? Patient perspectives of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug choice for rheumatoid arthritis. Joint Bone Spine 2020; 88:105053. [PMID: 32681975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess how patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) decide whether to add oral disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) versus injectable biologic DMARDs when methotrexate response is inadequate. METHODS Using nominal group technique (NGT), RA patients answered the question "What sort of things are important to you when you make a decision between adding pills versus injectable medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis when methotrexate fails to control RA disease activity?" Patients nominated, discussed, and voted for the responses. RESULTS Forty-seven RA patients participated: Birmingham (n=6 NG; 21 patients) and New York City (n=4 NG; 26 patients). They were predominantly female (85%), 70% white, with a mean age of 64.5 years and 58% had>10-year RA duration. Present/past DMARDs included methotrexate only in 6%, other traditional DMARDs in 15%, glucocorticoids in combination with traditional DMARDs in 11%, and biologics and/or Jak-kinase inhibitors in 68% of participants. Voted domains in order were: (1) efficacy/effectiveness and the onset/mode of action (78/282 votes); (2) side effects/fear of side effects (84/282 votes); (3) cost including out of pocket, co-payments and patient responsibility (54/282 votes); (4) convenience/frequency of use (27/282 votes); (5) doctor's opinion (20/282 votes); (6) other drugs/comorbidity/other patient's experience/effects on other people (3/282 votes); (7) fear of needles (8/282 votes); and (8) newness of the medication (8/282 votes). CONCLUSIONS We identified the patient perspective regarding the choice between adding oral versus injectable DMARD once methotrexate failed to control RA disease activity. This knowledge can help in shared decision-making for DMARD choice in RA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder A Singh
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, 700 19th St S, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Medicine at the School of Medicine, University of Alabama, 510 20th Street S, Birmingham, 35294, AL, USA; Division of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, 35233, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th Street, 10021 NY, NY, USA.
| | - Haley Tornberg
- Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th Street, 10021 NY, NY, USA
| | - Susan M Goodman
- Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th Street, 10021 NY, NY, USA
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Singh JA, Tornberg H, Goodman SM. Important determinants of the patient choice between TNF- vs. non-TNF Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Joint Bone Spine 2020; 87:307-313. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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McCormick N, Wallace ZS, Sacks CA, Hsu J, Choi HK. Decomposition Analysis of Spending and Price Trends for Biologic Antirheumatic Drugs in Medicare and Medicaid. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:234-241. [PMID: 31609057 DOI: 10.1002/art.41138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Billions of public dollars are spent each year on biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), but the drivers of recent increases in biologic DMARD spending are unclear. This study was undertaken to characterize changes in total spending and unit prices for biologic DMARDs in Medicare and Medicaid programs and quantified the major sources of these spending increases. METHODS We accessed drug spending data from years 2012-2016, covering all Medicare Part B (fee-for-service), Medicare Part D, and Medicaid enrollees. After calculating 5-year changes in total spending and unit prices for each biologic DMARD as well as in aggregate, we performed standard decomposition analyses to isolate 4 sources of spending growth: drug prices, uptake (number of recipients), treatment intensity (mean number of doses per claim), and treatment duration (annual number of claims per recipient), both excluding and including time-varying rebates. RESULTS From 2012 to 2016, annual spending on public-payer claims for the 10 biologic DMARDs included in this study more than doubled ($3.8 billion to $8.6 billion), with median drug price increases of 51% in Medicare Part D (mean 54%) and 8% in Medicare Part B (mean 21%). With adjustment for general inflation, unit price increases alone accounted for 57% of the 5-year, $3.0 billion spending increase in Part D, while 37% of the spending increase was from increased uptake. Accounting for time-varying rebates, prices were still responsible for 54% of increased spending. Unit prices and spending were lower under Medicaid than under Medicare Part D, though temporal trends and contributors were similar. CONCLUSION Postmarket drug price changes alone account for the majority of the recent spending growth in biologic DMARDs. Policy interventions targeting price increases, particularly those under Medicare Part D plans, may help mitigate financial burdens for public payers and biologic DMARD recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie McCormick
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, and Arthritis Research Canada, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zachary S Wallace
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chana A Sacks
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John Hsu
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hyon K Choi
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, and Arthritis Research Canada, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
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Heidari P, Cross W, Weller C, Nazarinia M, Crawford K. Medication adherence and cost-related medication non-adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study. Int J Rheum Dis 2019; 22:555-566. [PMID: 30924291 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM First, to assess the clinical characteristics and medication adherence to oral rheumatoid arthritis (RA) medications in patients with RA. Second, to examine adherence determinants with a focus on the effect of medication out-of-pocket (OOP) costs on medication adherence to oral RA medications. Lastly, to examine cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) in patients with RA. METHODS A cross-sectional study of patients with RA was conducted at rheumatology outpatient clinics in Shiraz, Iran. The data collection survey consisted of 5 sections including demographic questions, disease-related questions, Compliance Questionnaire Rheumatology (CQR), CRN questions and an open-ended question. SPSS version 24 was used for analysis. RESULTS A total of 308 completed surveys were collected. Adherence to oral RA medications was 40.3%. Just under 20% of participants were biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) users and these bDMARDs users were 0.82 times less likely to be adherent to their oral RA medications compared to non-bDMARDs users (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant association between OOP costs and adherence to oral RA medications (P > 0.05). However, 28.7% of participants reported not refilling, delaying to refill, skipping doses or taking smaller doses due to cost. In findings of the open-ended question, medication costs and affordability were the most commonly mentioned barriers to medication adherence. CONCLUSION Non-adherence to oral RA medications was prevalent among Iranian patients with RA and OOP costs were a barrier to medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaneh Heidari
- Monash Nursing & Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wendy Cross
- Federation University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carolina Weller
- Monash Nursing & Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Kimberley Crawford
- Monash Nursing & Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Nascimben J, Cubbison C, Lape EC, Katz JN. Strategies for Managing the Costs of Chronic Illness in the Context of Limited Financial Resources: A Qualitative Study in Dominican Persons With Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2018; 71:1379-1386. [PMID: 30171806 DOI: 10.1002/acr.23742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Persons who reside in low- and middle-income countries often have insufficient resources to pay for treatments prescribed for their medical conditions. The aim of this study was to determine, using qualitative methods, how patients with arthritis in the Dominican Republic manage the costs associated with chronic illnesses. METHODS We conducted individual interviews with 17 Dominican adults with advanced arthritis who were undergoing total knee replacement or total hip replacement at a hospital in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Interviewers followed a moderator's guide with questions pertaining to the financial demands of arthritis treatment and the strategies participants used to pay for treatments. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. We used thematic analysis to identify salient themes. RESULTS The thematic analysis suggested that health system factors (such as the extent of reimbursement for medications available in the public health care system) along with personal factors (such as disposable income) shaped individuals' experiences of managing chronic illness. These systemic and personal factors contributed to a sizeable gap between the cost of care and the amount most participants were able to pay. Participants managed this resource gap using a spectrum of strategies ranging from acceptance (or, "making do with less") to resourcefulness (or, "finding more"). Participants were aided by strong community bonds and religiously oriented resilience. CONCLUSION This qualitative study illuminates the range of strategies Dominican individuals with limited resources use to obtain health care and manage chronic illness. The findings raise hypotheses that warrant further study and could help guide provider-patient conversations regarding treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Cubbison
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Massachusetts and Universidad Iberoamericana, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Emma C Lape
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey N Katz
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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