Trends in RA patients’ adherence to subcutaneous anti-TNF therapies and costs

Abstract

ETA users had longer treatment duration, were more likely to adhere to their medication regimen and had lower RA-related pharmacy and RA-related total costs compared with ADA users. These findings must be considered within the limitations of this database analysis.

Determinants of methotrexate adherence in rheumatoid arthritis patients

“…This is consistent with previous findings [21]. The positive influence of comorbidity on adherence is also in accordance with other studies [22,23]. Finally, a better mental health status was also associated to medication adherence in at least one other study [11].…”

Medication Effectiveness with the Use of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors Among Texas Medicaid Patients Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Demographic (age and gender distribution) and clinical characteristics of the final matched study sample were found to be consistent with those reported by other studies of patients with RA that were conducted using retrospective database analysis. 2,4,[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42] However, in contrast to other studies where the majority of participants were white, the present study had a majority Hispanic population (53.7%). 31,32,36,37 This was expected, since Hispanics have been reported to account for a significant proportion (≈ 40%) of the Texas population.…”

“…Adherence seen in this study was lower than has been reported in previous adherence studies that also used administrative claims data (commercial or Medicaid). 2,30,31,36 This may be because of the high Hispanic population (53.7%) in the study sample. Being of an ethnic minority has been associated with poor medication adherence.…”

“…1 RA is a leading cause of disability and affects about 1% of the adult U.S. population with a higher prevalence, incidence, and lifetime risk in women compared with men. 2,3 The direct medical cost related to RA management in the United States has been estimated to exceed $4 billion annually. 4 RA negatively impacts patients' health-related quality of life, causing significant joint pain, disability, and limited mobility.…”

“…The direction of study results was comparable with those of earlier studies regardless of the method used for estimating adherence. 2,31,33,36 Differences in adherence may be a function of the route and frequency of administration. 4 IFX is administered intravenously at the physician's office by a health care provider, while ETN and ADA are administered subcutaneously by the patient.…”