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Channeling and adherence with alendronate and risedronate among chronic glucocorticoid users

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Abstract

Introduction

Despite the efficacy of bisphosphonates to reduce fractures in high risk populations, bisphosphonate adherence among chronic glucocorticoid users has received limited attention. Moreover, perceived differences in GI tolerability may lead physicians to preferentially prescribe particular bisphosphonates.

Methods

Among chronic glucocorticoid users (>60 days of therapy) enrolled in managed care, we identified individuals initiating therapy with alendronate or risedronate during 2001–2004. Multivariable logistic regression and proportional hazards models were used to examine factors associated with channeling patients to risedronate (versus alendronate) and with discontinuation (>3-month gap without refill). The Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) was calculated as the filled days of medication divided by the interval of time between prescriptions.

Results

Of 1,158 glucocorticoid users initiating bisphosphonate therapy, demographic characteristics of alendronate users (n=754) and risedronate users (n=404) were similar for age (mean 53 years) and gender (approximately 80% female). Past history of a GI symptom or event was associated with risedronate receipt (OR=2.24, 95% CI 1.15–4.35). After multivariable adjustment, rates of discontinuation (mean time to discontinuation approximately 18 months) and adherence (mean MPR=73%) were similar between users of the two bisphosphonates. Younger age, greater medical comorbidity, and lack of BMD testing were significantly associated with discontinuation.

Conclusions

Overall persistence rates were suboptimal for bisphosphonate use among chronic glucocorticoids users and did not differ significantly by drug. Newer strategies to promote long-term adherence are needed to improve osteoporosis therapeutic effectiveness.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, FOT 820, 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA

    J. R. Curtis & K. G. Saag

  2. Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    A. O. Westfall

  3. Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    J. J. Allison

  4. Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    J. J. Allison

  5. Aetna Integrated Informatics Inc., Blue Bell, PA, USA

    A. Freeman

Authors
  1. J. R. Curtis
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  2. A. O. Westfall
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  3. J. J. Allison
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  4. A. Freeman
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  5. K. G. Saag
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to K. G. Saag.

Additional information

Supported by grant number HS10389 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, P60 AR48095 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, K24 AR052361 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and T32 AR47512-03 from the National Institutes of Health.

Appendix 1 [7]

Appendix 1 [7]

ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes for GI events

Table 5
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Curtis, J.R., Westfall, A.O., Allison, J.J. et al. Channeling and adherence with alendronate and risedronate among chronic glucocorticoid users. Osteoporos Int 17, 1268–1274 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-006-0136-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-006-0136-8

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