Biologic therapy adherence, discontinuation, switching, and restarting among patients with psoriasis in the US Medicare population.

Background: Studies indicate adherence to biologics among patients with psoriasis is low, yet little is known about their use in the Medicare population.

Objective: We sought to investigate real-world utilization patterns in a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries with psoriasis initiating infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, or ustekinumab.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective claims analysis using 2009 through 2012 100% Medicare Chronic Condition Data Warehouse Part A, B, and D files, with 12-month follow-up after index prescription.

Psoriasis in the US Medicare Population: Prevalence, Treatment, and Factors Associated with Biologic Use.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disorder, primarily of the skin. Despite an aging population, knowledge of the epidemiology of psoriasis and its treatments among the elderly is limited. We examined the prevalence of psoriasis and its treatments, with a focus on biologics and identification of factors associated with biologic use, using a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries in 2011.