Journal of medical economics
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To assess the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with initiation of duloxetine therapy compared with other pharmacologic therapies for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). ⋯ Among commercially-insured DPNP patients, those with prior use of duloxetine or pregabalin were more likely to initiate duloxetine than other treatments. The presence of select comorbidities was also associated with specific medication initiation.
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Comparative Study
Cost-effectiveness of novel relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma therapies in Norway: lenalidomide plus dexamethasone vs bortezomib.
To estimate the cost-effectiveness (cost per additional life-year [LY] and quality-adjusted life-year [QALY] gained) of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (LEN/DEX) compared with bortezomib for the treatment of relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM) in Norway. ⋯ The simulation model showed that treatment with LEN/DEX leads to greater LYs and QALYs when compared to bortezomib in the treatment of rrMM patients. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio indicated treatment with LEN/DEX to be cost-effective and was the basis of the reimbursement approval of LEN/DEX in Norway.
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The relationship between chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) control and pain medication (analgesic) adherence has not been widely documented. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pain intensity and the degree of adherence to analgesic medication prescribed in pain clinics. There was also a special emphasis on the influence of polypharmacy on adherence. ⋯ This study has shown that there is a small but significant inverse relationship between analgesic adherence and CNCP control, which has remained elusive to date and should be further evaluated. Polypharmacy also had a negative influence on adherence, although this was not acknowledged by all investigators.
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The high life-time prevalence of chronic back pain (25-30% according to surveys in small samples) suggests that it may be a major source of healthcare cost and that prevention of chronic back pain may be both ethically and economically recommendable. To obtain valid economic data on the cost of back pain in Germany, a retrospective claims data analysis was performed. ⋯ The results show the potential that could be made accessible by an early detection of back pain patients who bear a risk of pain becoming chronic, both in terms of quality-of-life as well as in financial terms.
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To compare persistence and adherence among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with either multiple- or single- long-acting maintenance inhalers. ⋯ Multiple long-acting inhaler users demonstrated lower treatment persistence and adherence rates than single long-acting inhaler users. Limitations of the study are related to the retrospective, observational design and use of claims data.