Healthcare resource utilization following switch or discontinuation in multiple sclerosis patients on disease modifying drugs.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the cost and utilization in the period following discontinuations or switches of disease modifying drugs (DMDs) for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Secondary objectives included an assessment of the time to switch or discontinuation from index DMD treatment.

Methods: Cases were defined as a billed MS diagnosis in continuously enrolled patients initiated with interferon-beta1a IM, interferon-beta1b SC, glatiramer acetate, and interferon-beta1a SC found in the PharMetrics Patient-Centric Database.

Persistence and adherence to disease modifying drugs among patients with multiple sclerosis.

Objective: This retrospective database study aimed to evaluate the adherence of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients on immunomodulatory treatments using claims data, and to identify differences between compliance and persistency measurements in the context of this disease.

Methods: Continuously enrolled MS patients treated with subcutaneous IFNbeta-1b (Betaseron * ), subcutaneous IFNbeta-1a (Rebif dagger ), intramuscular IFNbeta-1a (Avonex double dagger ), and subcutaneous glatiramer acetate (Copaxone section sign ).) were identified from the PharMetrics patient-centric database, and all information related to patient demographics and pharmacy claims for the drugs of interest were extracted.

The psychometric validation of the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) in patients with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder (BD) adversely affects daily activities/functioning. The Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) assesses disability in work/school activities, family relationships, and social functioning, and it evaluates the functional impact of psychiatric disorders. BD outpatients from 21 U.

Economic outcomes associated with atypical antipsychotics in bipolar disorder: a systematic review.

Objective: Bipolar disorder is a serious condition that is costly to the health care system. Atypical antipsychotics are more expensive than conventional treatments. From a policy-making perspective, the additional cost must be justified by improved outcomes.

Comparing adherence to and persistence with antipsychotic therapy among patients with bipolar disorder.

Background: Medication nonadherence is a significant problem among patients with bipolar disorder.

Objective: To compare adherence and persistence among patients with bipolar disorder initiated on antipsychotics in a state Medicaid system over a 12 month follow-up period.

Methods: Claims data for patients with bipolar disorder from a de-identified Medicaid database were examined.

Hospitalization risks in the treatment of bipolar disorder: comparison of antipsychotic medications.

Objectives: This study compared the relative risk for hospitalization of patients with bipolar and manic disorders receiving atypical and typical antipsychotics.

Methods: This retrospective study was based on administrative claims data extracted from the PharMetrics database during 1999 through 2003. Comparisons were made among atypical antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine or ziprasidone), as well as between each of these versus a combined group of the leading typical antipsychotics.

Racial differences in medication switching and concomitant prescriptions in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Objective: This study examined whether the practices of switching between classes of medications and prescription of concomitant medications differed between black and non-black patients with bipolar disorders.

Methods: In a retrospective cohort design, data from 1998 to 2004 for patients with diagnoses of bipolar disorders were obtained from a large claims database. Information was obtained on the number of prescriptions for four classes of medications (anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers, and first- and second-generation antipsychotics) as well as on medication switching (between drug classes), concomitant prescriptions, resource use, and outcomes (an emergency department visit or a hospitalization).