Php104 - Prescription Drug Use and Inappropriate Prescribing Among Pregnant Women in South Korea

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists (anti-TNF) are effective drugs used in the treatment of several inflammatory disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utilization and pharmacy expenditures of (anti-TNF) drugs in Medicare Part D program in the period of 2014-2015. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using Medicare provider utilization and payment data, which are supplied for prescription drugs that physicians and other healthcare providers prescribed under Medicare Part D from 2014-2015. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Five anti-TNF drugs were marketed in the US by 2015 (Adalimumab, Certolizumab, Etanercept, Golimumab and Infliximab). In 2014, there were 697, 428 claims for anti-TNF drugs. However, in 2015 the total claims were reduced to 449,531 claims. The total cost of anti-TNF were significantly higher in 2014 as compared to 2015 ($2.27, 1.70 Billions) respectively (P <0.001). Adalimumab and Etanercept were the most commonly prescribed anti-TNF drugs in 2014 (47%, and 46%) respectively. However, in 2015, a substantial increase in the utilization of Etanercept, (71% of the total claims) accompanied by substantial reduction in the utilization of Adalimumab (17%). During study period, states in the Southern region had the highest number of claims (39% and 40%) respectively. Rheumatologists prescribed the majority of claims in 2014 (64.15%) with substantial increase to (71%) in 2015. The average monthly cost anti-TNF drugs were significantly increased during study period