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Kurvits K, Toompere K, Jaanson P, Uusküla A. The COVID-19 pandemic and the use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-related drugs in Estonia: an interrupted time-series analysis. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:66. [PMID: 38845001 PMCID: PMC11157874 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00757-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges that worsened people's mental health. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of the population, as indicated by the prevalence rates of benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-related drug (BDZ) use. METHODS This population-based, time-series analysis included all prescriptions of BDZs dispensed in Estonia between 2012 and 2021. The monthly prevalence rates of BDZ use were calculated. Autoregressive integrated moving average models with pulse and slope intervention functions tested for temporary and long-term changes in monthly prevalence rates after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Throughout the 10-year study period, a total of 5,528,911 BDZ prescriptions were dispensed to 397,436 individuals. A significant temporary increase in the overall prevalence rate of BDZ use in March 2020 (2.698 users per 1000, 95% CI 1.408-3.988) was observed, but there was no statistically significant long-term change. This temporary increase affected all the examined subgroups, except for new users, individuals aged 15-29 years, and prescribing specialists other than general practitioners and psychiatrists. The long-term increase in BDZ use was confined to females aged 15-29 years (0.056 users per 1000 per month, 95% CI 0.033-0.079), while no significant change was observed among males of the same age (0.009 users per 1000 per month, 95% CI - 0.017 to 0.035). Among females aged 15-29 years, a significant long-term increase in BDZ use was observed for anxiety disorders (0.017 users per 1000 per month, 95% CI 0.010-0.023), depressive disorders (0.021 users per 1000 per month, 95% CI 0.012-0.030), and other mental and behavioral disorders (0.020 users per 1000 per month, 95% CI 0.010-0.030), but not for sleep disorders (- 0.008 users per 1000 per month, 95% CI - 0.018-0.002). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic led to a short-term increase in BDZ use immediately after the pandemic was declared. In the long term, young females experienced a sustained increase in BDZ use. The prolonged effect on girls and young women suggests their greater vulnerability. These results underscore the need to effectively address the long-term effects of the pandemic among youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Kurvits
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
- State Agency of Medicines, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Karolin Toompere
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Anneli Uusküla
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
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Attal S, Kemner J, Alvir J, Barth S, Schuessler S. Tafamidis 61 mg Patient Characteristics and Persistency? A Retrospective Analysis of German Statutory Health Insurance Data (IQVIA™ LRx). Cardiol Ther 2024; 13:369-378. [PMID: 38615093 PMCID: PMC11093959 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-024-00365-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tafamidis is the first drug approved by the European Commission for the treatment of wild-type or hereditary transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in adults to reduce cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalization. Real-world treatment patterns of tafamidis 61 mg in Germany are not well studied in patients with ATTR-CM. METHODS This was a non-interventional, retrospective, observational cohort study of adult patients in Germany based on the IQVIA pharmacy claims database (IQVIA™ LRx). Patients included in the analysis were statutory insured and received at least one prescription of tafamidis 61 mg between March 1, 2020 and August 31, 2022. Treatment adherence was analyzed using the modified medical possession ratio (mMPR) and proportion of days covered (PDC). RESULTS Overall, 1565 adult patients received at least one tafamidis prescription in the study period. Their mean age was 78.3 years, 82.4% were male, and 23.2% were treated by a cardiologist. Persistency rates for patients treated with tafamidis 61 mg were high: 78.0% for 12 months and 65.1% for 24 months after treatment initiation. Patients also had high adherence rate on filling their prescriptions on time: 94.6% and 90.5% of patients had adherence rates of at least 80%, measured by mMPR and PDC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In the IQVIA™ LRx database, patients prescribed tafamidis 61 mg in Germany displayed high adherence and persistency rates, which suggest good drug tolerability and ease of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Attal
- Pfizer PIO, 23-25 Avenue du Dr Lannelongue, 75668, Paris Cedex 14, France.
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Kerwagen F, Ohlmeier C, Evers T, Herrmann S, Bayh I, Michel A, Kruppert S, Wilfer J, Wachter R, Böhm M, Störk S. Real-world characteristics and use patterns of patients treated with vericiguat: A nationwide longitudinal cohort study in Germany. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:931-940. [PMID: 38472389 PMCID: PMC11098883 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03654-0] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vericiguat reduced clinical endpoints in patients experiencing worsening heart failure in clinical trials, but its implementation outside trials is unclear. METHODS This retrospective analysis of longitudinally collected data was based on the IQVIA™ LRx database, which includes ~ 80% of the prescriptions of the 73 million people covered by the German statutory health insurance. RESULTS Between September 2021 and December 2022, vericiguat was initiated in 2916 adult patients. Their mean age was 73 ± 13 years and 28% were women. While approximately 70% were uptitrated beyond 2.5 mg, only 36% reached 10 mg. Median time to up-titration from 2.5 mg to 5 mg was 17 (quartiles: 11-33) days, and from 2.5 to 10 mg 37 (25-64) days, respectively. In 87% of the patients, adherence to vericiguat was high as indicated by a medication possession ratio of ≥ 80%, and 67% of the patients persistently used vericiguat during the first year. Women and older patients reached the maximal dose of 10 mg vericiguat less often and received other substance classes of guideline-recommended therapy (GDMT) less frequently. The proportion of patients receiving four pillars of GDMT increased from 29% before vericiguat initiation to 44% afterwards. CONCLUSION In a real-world setting, despite higher age than in clinical trials, adherence and persistence of vericiguat appeared satisfactory across age categories. Initiation of vericiguat was associated with intensification of concomitant GDMT. Nevertheless, barriers to vericiguat up-titration and implementation of other GDMT, applying in particular to women and elderly patients, need to be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kerwagen
- Department of Clinical Research and Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joanna Wilfer
- IQVIA Commercial GmbH & Co. OHG, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Böhm
- Department of Internal Medicine Clinic III, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Stefan Störk
- Department of Clinical Research and Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany.
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Kvarstein G, Kindlundh-Högberg AM, Ould Setti M, Namane R, Muzwidzwa R, Richter H, Hakkarainen KM. An observational post-authorization safety study (PASS) of naloxegol drug utilization in four European countries. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e5710. [PMID: 37969030 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5710] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Naloxegol has been shown to be an efficient alternative to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC). This study aimed at describing the characteristics of naloxegol users and assessing patterns of naloxegol use and associated factors. METHODS This drug utilization cohort study used observational registry data on patients newly prescribed naloxegol in four European countries. Patient characteristics and patterns of naloxegol use and associated factors were described. RESULTS A total of 17 254 naloxegol users were identified across the countries. Their median age was 56-71 years, and each country had a majority of women (ranging 57.5%-62.9%). Multiple comorbidities, including cancer, were common. Natural opium alkaloids and osmotically acting laxatives (excluding saline) were the most frequently used opioids and laxatives. Overall prior use of opioids ranged from 91.9% to 99.6% and overall prior use of laxatives ranged from 69.9% to 92.4%. Up to 77.7% had prior use of medications with interaction potential, and up to 44.5% used them concurrently with naloxegol. Naloxegol was discontinued by 55.1%-90.9% of users, typically during the first 30 days. Approximately 10%-30% switched to or augmented the treatment with another constipation medication or restarted naloxegol after discontinuation. Augmentation with another constipation medication was relatively common, suggesting that naloxegol was used for multifactorial constipation. CONCLUSION The present study reflects real-world clinical use of naloxegol, including in vulnerable patient groups. Some naloxegol users lacked laxative or regular opioid use within six months before index date or used naloxegol concomitantly with medications presenting an interaction potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnvald Kvarstein
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Pain Management and Research, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Mounir Ould Setti
- Global Database Studies, Real World Solutions, IQVIA, Espoo, Finland
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rafik Namane
- Kyowa Kirin International plc, Galabank Business Park, Galashiels, UK
| | | | - Hartmut Richter
- Epidemiology, Real World Solutions, IQVIA, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Katja M Hakkarainen
- Global Database Studies, Real World Solutions, IQVIA, Mölndal, Sweden
- Epidemiology & Real-World Science, RWE Scientific Affairs, Parexel International, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Barrett A, Debackere N, Ribeiro A, Keapoletswe K, Zingel R, Coles B. Dosing Patterns of Dulaglutide and Semaglutide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the United Kingdom and Germany: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Adv Ther 2023; 40:3446-3464. [PMID: 37286889 PMCID: PMC10246869 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02540-y] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As new glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) formulations are available, the aim of this study was to understand dulaglutide and subcutaneous (s.c.) semaglutide dosing patterns in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the UK and Germany as well as oral semaglutide in the UK. METHODS Adults with evidence of T2DM and a prescription of dulaglutide or semaglutide between August 2020 and December 2021 were identified using the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Data (LRx). Patients were divided into cohort 1 (incident users) and cohort 2 (prevalent users) based on previous exposure to GLP-1 RAs and were followed up to 12 months post-index. RESULTS During the patient selection window in Germany and the UK, 368,320 and 123,548 patients respectively received at least one prescription of a study GLP-1 RA. Among dulaglutide users in Germany at 12 months post-index, the 1.5-mg dosage formulation was the most common for both cohort 1 (65.6%) and 2 (71.2%). Among s.c. semaglutide users at 12 months post-index, 39.2% and 58.4% of cohort 1 received 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg, respectively. In the UK, at 12 months post-index, the most common dulaglutide dosage formulation was 1.5 mg (71.7% cohort 1 and 80.9% cohort 2). Among s.c. semaglutide users at 12 months post-index, 0.5- and 1.0-mg formulations were the most common for both cohort 1 (38.9% and 56.0%, respectively) and cohort 2 (29.5% and 67.1%, respectively). Prescribing of the more recently introduced 3.0- and 4.5-mg formulations for dulaglutide and oral semaglutide was also reported in the study. CONCLUSION Dosing patterns of GLP-1 RAs, although similar between the UK and Germany, were heterogeneous over time. Given that the higher dulaglutide doses and oral semaglutide were recently introduced to the market, additional real-world evidence studies which include clinical outcomes is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Barrett
- Eli Lilly and Company, 8 Arlington Square West, Downshire Way, Bracknell, RG12 1PU, UK.
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Liegl RG, Karcher H, Chetty-Mhlanga S, Igwe F, Freitas R. The Treatment Patterns with Brolucizumab in Germany (REALIZE) Study: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Longitudinal Prescription Data. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:195-208. [PMID: 36327000 PMCID: PMC9834462 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-022-00596-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study describes real-world treatment patterns in Germany for brolucizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS This single-arm retrospective cohort study used German patient-level prescription data. Patients aged ≥ 50 years, who received ≥ 1 brolucizumab prescription in one eye only (unilateral) and had a minimum of 12 months follow-up were included. Three cohorts were defined from the overall population: anti-VEGF treatment-naive patients ("treatment-naive"); anti-VEGF treatment-experienced patients ("treatment-experienced"); and of the treatment-experienced cohort, patients persistent on brolucizumab for 12 months ("treatment-experienced persistent"), i.e. who received ≥ 2 brolucizumab injections and did not discontinue or use other anti-VEGF agents in that period. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse patient characteristics and injection intervals. RESULTS A total of 2089 patients with at least 12 months follow-up and one brolucizumab injection were analysed. Most were female (58.1%), aged 80+ years (54.7%). A total of 539 (25.8%) were treatment-naive, 1550 (74.2%) treatment-experienced and, of those, 787 (50.8%) were persistent. Overall, the median (interquartile range, IQR) number of brolucizumab injections during the 12 months follow-up was 5.0 (3.0-8.0). In the treatment-naive and treatment-experienced sub-cohorts it was 5.0 (3.0-8.0) and 5.0 (3.0-9.0) injections, respectively. In the treatment-experienced persistent cohort the median (IQR) number of injections was 8.0 (5.0-10.0). In this same cohort, the median (IQR) treatment interval between anti-VEGF injections before switch to brolucizumab was 5.1 (4.0-8.0) weeks, whilst the brolucizumab interval at 12 months after switch was 8.0 (6.0-11.9) weeks. Of treatment-experienced patients, 67% extended their treatment interval and those with pre-switch intervals less than 6 weeks (< q6w), in particular, had meaningful treatment interval extensions. CONCLUSION Patients who switched to brolucizumab had a median treatment interval extension of about 3 weeks at 12 months. These results show that treatment with brolucizumab has the potential to reduce treatment burden in patients with nAMD in routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffael G. Liegl
- grid.10388.320000 0001 2240 3300Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Helene Karcher
- grid.419481.10000 0001 1515 9979Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Franklin Igwe
- grid.419481.10000 0001 1515 9979Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
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Persistence with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors in Germany: a retrospective cohort study with 284,383 patients. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04376-5. [PMID: 36149512 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04376-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to analyze the persistence of women on tamoxifen (TAM) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in Germany, and to investigate possible determinants of non-persistence. METHODS The present retrospective cohort study was based on the IQVIA longitudinal prescription database (LRx). The study included women with an initial prescription of TAM or AIs (anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane) between January 2016 and December 2020 (index date). Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to show the persistence for TAM and AI, using a therapy gap of 90 or 180 days, respectively. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was further used to estimate the relationship between non-persistence and drug prescription (AI versus TAM), age, and the specialty of the physician initiating therapy (gynecologist, oncologist, or general practitioner). RESULTS Up to 5 years after the index date, only 35.1% of AI and 32.5% of TAM patients were continuing therapy when therapy discontinuation was defined as at least 90 days without therapy. Using a 180-day therapy gap, 51.9% of AI and 50.4% of TAM patients remained on therapy after 5 years. Cox regression models reveal that initial therapy with TAM (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.07), therapy initiation by oncologists (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.07-1.11), or general practitioners (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.21-1.27) and age ≤ 50 (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06-1.10) were significantly associated with an increased risk of therapy discontinuation. CONCLUSION Overall, the present study indicates that persistence rates are low in all age groups for both TAM and AI treatment. We found several factors (e.g., physician specialty, younger age, and type of endocrine therapy) to be associated with an increased risk for non-persistence.
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Machine Learning Can Predict the Probability of Biologic Therapy in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154586. [PMID: 35956201 PMCID: PMC9369980 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is of high medical and socioeconomic relevance. Moderate and severe disease courses often require treatment with biologics. The aim of this study was to evaluate machine learning (ML)-based methods for the prediction of biologic therapy in IBD patients using a large prescription database. Methods: The present retrospective cohort study utilized a longitudinal prescription database (LRx). Patients with at least one prescription for an intestinal anti-inflammatory agent from a gastroenterologist between January 2015 and July 2021 were included. Patients who had received an initial biologic therapy prescription (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab) were categorized as the “biologic group”. The potential predictors included in the machine learning-based models were age, sex, and the 100 most frequently prescribed drugs within 12 months prior to the index date. Six machine learning-based methods were used for the prediction of biologic therapy. Results: A total of 122,089 patients were included in this study. Of these, 15,824 (13.0%) received at least one prescription for a biologic drug. The Light Gradient Boosting Machine had the best performance (accuracy = 74%) and was able to correctly identify 78.5% of the biologics patients and 72.6% of the non-biologics patients in the testing dataset. The most important variable was prednisolone, followed by lower age, mesalazine, budesonide, and ferric iron. Conclusions: In summary, this study reveals the advantages of ML-based models in predicting biologic therapy in IBD patients based on pre-treatment and demographic variables. There is a need for further studies in this regard that take into account individual patient characteristics, i.e., genetics and gut microbiota, to adequately address the challenges of finding optimal treatment strategies for patients with IBD.
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Mirahmadizadeh A, Banihashemi SA, Hashemi M, Amiri S, Basir S, Heiran A, Keshavarzian O. Estimating the prevalence and incidence of treated type 2 diabetes using prescription data as a proxy: A stepwise approach on Iranian data. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07260. [PMID: 34179534 PMCID: PMC8213903 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Type 2 diabetes is a serious health challenge, and large-scale studies on its prevalence in Iran are lacking. In pharmacoepidemiology, case-finding can be done by reviewing the prescription databases for specific drug(s) prescribed for a disease. We aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes in Fars province, Iran, using prescription data and a stepwise approach to ascertain the results. METHODS A dataset of 3,113 insured individuals aged ≥35 years were selected. Their Prescription Data Centre records were reviewed for all drugs frequently used in controlling type 2 diabetes available in the Iranian pharmacopeia. Then we used a stepwise method for case-finding. In step one, each individual with a positive drug history for type 2 diabetes was labeled as an individual with diabetes. The next two steps were implemented for ascertainment of step one estimations. RESULTS Prevalence of type 2 diabetes based on prescription, internist opinion, and phone call verification in 2015 and 2016 was 9.3% and 10.3%, 8.5% and 9.8%, and 7.2% and 8.7%, respectively. An incidence of 1.9% was determined for 2016. CONCLUSIONS We obtained a realistic estimation of prevalence and incidence of treated type 2 diabetes, using prescription data which are large-scale, low cost, and real-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mirahmadizadeh
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Sanaz Amiri
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Suzan Basir
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Heiran
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Omid Keshavarzian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Stam N, Taipale H, Tanskanen A, Isphording L, Okhuijsen‐Pfeifer C, Schuiling‐Veninga CC, Bos JH, Bijker BJ, Tiihonen J, Luykx JJ. Persistence of Antipsychotic Use After Clozapine Discontinuation: A Real-World Study Across Antipsychotics. Clin Transl Sci 2020; 13:1170-1177. [PMID: 32441836 PMCID: PMC7719358 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although clozapine treatment is often discontinued due to limited efficacy or low tolerability, there is a lack of guidelines and evidence on treatment options after discontinuation of clozapine in patients with schizophrenia. Persistence has proven to be an adequate indicator for treatment effectiveness in patients with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was, therefore, to compare persistence of antipsychotic use between antipsychotic treatment options in patients after stopping clozapine treatment. Registry data from a prescription database representative of the Dutch population (1996-2017) was collected to investigate persistence in patients with schizophrenia who had been using clozapine for ≥ 90 days. Persistence with antipsychotics after clozapine discontinuation was analyzed using Cox-proportional hazard regression models. Our study population consisted of 321 participants, of whom 138 re-initiated clozapine and 183 started some other antipsychotic in the year after clozapine discontinuation (N = 518 antipsychotic use periods, N = 9,178 months). Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) as a group were associated with better persistence compared to first-generation antipsychotics (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57-0.93; P = 0.011). Compared with other antipsychotics, the following oral monotherapy antipsychotics were associated with significantly better persistence: restarting clozapine (aHR 0.48; 95% CI 0.32-0.71; P < 0.001) and switching to risperidone (aHR 0.52; 95% CI 0.32-0.84; P = 0.008) or olanzapine (aHR 0.55; 95% CI 0.35-0.87; P = 0.010). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the results. In conclusion, oral SGAs are associated with better persistence than alternative antipsychotic treatment options in patients discontinuing clozapine for undefined reasons. Especially clozapine (except in those with previous serious adverse reactions to clozapine), olanzapine and risperidone should be considered as oral monotherapy for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noraly Stam
- Department of PsychiatryUMC Utrecht Brain CenterUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Heidi Taipale
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Forensic PsychiatryUniversity of Eastern FinlandNiuvanniemi HospitalKuopioFinland
- School of PharmacyUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Antti Tanskanen
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Forensic PsychiatryUniversity of Eastern FinlandNiuvanniemi HospitalKuopioFinland
- Public Health SolutionsNational Institute for Health and WelfareHelsinkiFinland
| | - Luka Isphording
- Department of PsychiatryUMC Utrecht Brain CenterUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Okhuijsen‐Pfeifer
- Department of PsychiatryUMC Utrecht Brain CenterUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Catharina C.M. Schuiling‐Veninga
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology, and EconomicsFaculty of Science and EngineeringUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jens H.J. Bos
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology, and EconomicsFaculty of Science and EngineeringUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Bert J. Bijker
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology, and EconomicsFaculty of Science and EngineeringUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Forensic PsychiatryUniversity of Eastern FinlandNiuvanniemi HospitalKuopioFinland
- Center for Psychiatric ResearchStockholm City CouncilStockholmSweden
| | - Jurjen J. Luykx
- Department of PsychiatryUMC Utrecht Brain CenterUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUMC Utrecht Brain CenterUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- GGNet Mental HealthApeldoornThe Netherlands
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Persistence and adherence to dutasteride/tamsulosin fixed-dose versus free-combination alpha blocker/5ARI therapy in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia in Germany
. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2019; 58:37-49. [PMID: 31670653 PMCID: PMC6921277 DOI: 10.5414/cp203549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate real-world persistence and adherence in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) receiving a fixed-dose combination of dutasteride plus tamsulosin (DUT-TAM FDC) versus α-blocker plus 5-α reductase inhibitor (AB/5ARI) free-combination therapy. Materials and methods: This retrospective, observational cohort study utilized the German IMS LRx (IQVIA) database. Patients ≥ 45 years old with BPH receiving DUT-TAM FDC or AB/5ARI free-combination therapy from July 1, 2011 to November 30, 2017 were included. Data were analyzed for 48 months from index date (date of first prescription). Persistence, measured as time to discontinuation (defined as a 90-day gap in therapy), was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves (log-rank tests). Adherence, measured as medication possession ratio (MPR), was based on a comparison of mean prescribing duration and expected treatment duration. Results: A total of 141,667 patients were included (DUT-TAM FDC, n = 86,057; free AB/5ARI: n = 55,610). Small differences in persistence were observed between treatment arms. At month 12, 41.8% of DUT-TAM FDC-treated and 41.0% of AB/5ARI free-combination therapy-treated patients were persistent; at month 24, 28.2% and 27.1% were persistent, respectively. A higher proportion of DUT-TAM FDC-treated patients had MPR ≥ 0.80, ≥ 0.75 and ≥ 0.70 compared with AB/5ARI free-combination therapy (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Small differences observed in persistence between treatment arms may not translate to meaningful clinical relevance. Adherence was significantly better in the FDC arm, which may be clinically relevant as improved adherence is associated with better outcomes. Persistence and adherence to BPH therapy in Germany is low; further studies exploring the reasons behind this are required.
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Wachter R, Fonseca AF, Balas B, Kap E, Engelhard J, Schlienger R, Klebs S, Wirta SB, Kostev K. Real-world treatment patterns of sacubitril/valsartan: a longitudinal cohort study in Germany. Eur J Heart Fail 2019; 21:588-597. [PMID: 30972918 PMCID: PMC6607491 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.1465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To analyse real-world treatment patterns of sacubitril/valsartan (sac/val) using data from a pharmacy database in Germany. METHODS AND RESULTS A retrospective cohort study of 26 191 adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) in the IMS® longitudinal prescriptions database in Germany who were dispensed sac/val from January 2016 to June 2017 was conducted. The analysis included sac/val dose titration assessed in the 6 months from first sac/val prescription; prescriptions of concomitant cardiovascular medications in the 6 months pre- and post-index and compliance and persistence during 12 months post-index. Two-thirds of patients were prescribed the lowest sac/val dose of 50 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) at index and up-titration during the first 6 months was attempted in 41% of these patients. Ten percent of patients prescribed 200 mg b.i.d. at index had to be stably down-titrated; among patients prescribed 50 or 100 mg b.i.d. at index that were up-titrated, > 80% remained on the higher dose. Overall, the mean daily diuretic dose decreased by 25% after initiation of sac/val. High compliance and persistence rates were observed across sac/val doses, increasing with higher sac/val dose at index. Prior dose of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker had only minor impact on first sac/val dose, compliance and persistence. CONCLUSIONS Most patients prescribed sac/val are not initiated on the recommended dose nor up-titrated as recommended by the EU Summary of Product Characteristics. Initiation of sac/val was associated with high persistence and compliance and a dose reduction of diuretics. Barriers to up-titration must be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Wachter
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,German Cardiovascular Research Center, Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Bogdan Balas
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.,F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Kap
- IQVIA Germany (IQVIA Commercial GmbH & Co. OHG), Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | | | - Sven Klebs
- Novartis Pharma GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany
| | | | - Karel Kostev
- IQVIA Germany (IQVIA Commercial GmbH & Co. OHG), Frankfurt, Germany
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Zielen S, Devillier P, Heinrich J, Richter H, Wahn U. Sublingual immunotherapy provides long-term relief in allergic rhinitis and reduces the risk of asthma: A retrospective, real-world database analysis. Allergy 2018; 73:165-177. [PMID: 28561266 PMCID: PMC5763412 DOI: 10.1111/all.13213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or allergic asthma (AA) with long-term efficacy. However, there are few real-life data on the progression of AR and/or AA in patients receiving AIT. OBJECTIVES To assess the real-world, long-term efficacy of grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets in AR and their impact on asthma onset and progression. METHODS In a retrospective analysis of a German longitudinal prescription database, AR patients treated with grass pollen SLIT tablets were compared with a control group not having received AIT. Multiple regression analysis was used to compare changes over time in rescue symptomatic AR medication use after treatment cessation, asthma medication use, and the time to asthma onset in the two groups. RESULTS After applying all selection criteria, 2851 SLIT and 71 275 control patients were selected for the study. After treatment cessation, AR medication use was 18.8 percentage points lower (after adjustment for covariates, and relative to the pretreatment period) in SLIT tablet group than in the non-AIT group (P<.001). Asthma onset was less frequent in SLIT tablet group than in non-AIT group (odds ratio: 0.696, P=.002), and time to asthma was significantly longer (hazard ratio: 0.523; P=.003). After SLIT cessation, asthma medication use fell by an additional 16.7 percentage points (relative to the pretreatment period) in the SLIT tablet group vs the non-AIT group (P=.004). CONCLUSIONS Real-world treatment of AR patients with grass pollen SLIT tablets was associated with slower AR progression, less frequent asthma onset, and slower asthma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Zielen
- Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis Department for Children and Adolescents Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt Germany
| | - P. Devillier
- UPRES EA 220 Hospital Foch University Versailles Saint Quentin Suresnes France
| | - J. Heinrich
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munich German Research Centre for Environmental Health GmbH Institute of Epidemiology Neuherberg Germany
| | - H. Richter
- QuintilesIMS GmbH & Co. oHG Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - U. Wahn
- Department for Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology Charité Medical University Berlin Germany
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Qiao Q, Ouwens MJNM, Grandy S, Johnsson K, Kostev K. Adherence to GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy administered by once-daily or once-weekly injection in patients with type 2 diabetes in Germany. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2016; 9:201-5. [PMID: 27418849 PMCID: PMC4934555 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s99732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to compare 6-month adherence to therapy with exenatide once weekly (Bydureon(®)) vs liraglutide once daily (Victoza(®)) in patients with type 2 diabetes under primary care in Germany. METHODS A nationwide longitudinal prescription database (LRx), (between January 2011 and September 2014) was used to analyze adherence to therapy. The proportion of days covered (PDC) by prescription was used as a measure of adherence in the 6-month postindex period. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy adjusting for age, sex, and cotherapy. RESULTS Therapy was initiated in 5,449 patients with exenatide once weekly (age: 59.7±11.8 years; 51.4% were male) and in 24,648 patients with liraglutide once daily (age: 59.4±11.4 years; 49.7% were male). The median PDC was 0.88 for exenatide once weekly and 0.77 for liraglutide once daily (P<0.05). Once-weekly exenatide was associated with significantly higher adherence. Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for having a PDC of ≥0.80 was 1.78 (1.62-1.96) for exenatide once weekly compared with liraglutide once daily after adjusting for age, sex, and cotherapy. CONCLUSION Adherence to treatment with exenatide once weekly was significantly increased compared to that with liraglutide once daily over 6 months in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Qiao
- Global Medicines Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Susan Grandy
- Global Medicines Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Karel Kostev
- Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, Real-World Evidence Solutions, IMS Health, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence: Karel Kostev, Epidemiology, Real-World Evidence Solutions, IMS Health GmbH and Co, OHG, Darmstädter, Landstraße 108, Frankfurt am Main 60598, Germany, Tel +49 69 6604 4878, Email
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