The American journal of managed care
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Comparative Study
Healthcare utilization and cost effects of prior authorization for pregabalin in commercial health plans.
To compare changes in medication use and costs over time for management of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN) or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) among patients in commercial health plans requiring prior authorization (PA) for pregabalin versus patients in plans without pregabalin PA policies. ⋯ A PA policy for pregabalin was associated with lower pregabalin utilization, but there was no statistically significant effect on pDPN- or PHN-specific medication or healthcare expenditures.
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To characterize the comorbidities, pain-related pharmacotherapy, and healthcare resource use among older patients with fibromyalgia (FM) newly prescribed pregabalin in clinical practice. ⋯ These results suggest a substantial medication and comorbidity burden in older patients with FM. Although it is not possible to establish cause-and-effect relationships in claims database studies, results also suggest that the initiation of pregabalin was cost-neutral. Further evaluation is warranted to characterize FM and determine appropriate management strategies in this fragile population.
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To compare healthcare utilization and costs between subjects with and without fibromyalgia (FM) using claims data from a large health benefits company in the United States. ⋯ FM cases had significantly higher utilization and costs compared with controls. Office visits, tests and procedures, and the use of pain-related medications accounted for the largest absolute differences between the 2 groups.
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To review the efficacy and safety of pregabalin, an alpha(2)-delta (alpha(2)-delta) ligand, for the management of fibromyalgia (FM). ⋯ Pregabalin has been demonstrated to be efficacious and well-tolerated for the management of FM.
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To compare healthcare utilization and costs in the year preceding and following initial diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM). ⋯ Patients with FM are often seen for other medical problems prior to initial diagnosis. Levels of healthcare utilization and costs are high during both the pre- and postdiagnosis periods.