Cost of Antipsychotic Polypharmacy in Schizophrenia Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Zhu Baojin, Ascher-Svanum Haya, Faries Douglas E, Correll Christoph U, Kane John M
Primary Institution: Eli Lilly and Company
Hypothesis
This study aims to compare the costs of antipsychotic polypharmacy for patients initiated on olanzapine, quetiapine, or risperidone.
Conclusion
Antipsychotic polypharmacy significantly increases the cost of treating schizophrenia.
Supporting Evidence
- Quetiapine-initiated patients had the highest total annual antipsychotic cost at $5320.
- Olanzapine-initiated patients had a lower total annual cost of $4536.
- Risperidone-initiated patients had the lowest total annual cost at $3813.
- Each dollar spent on quetiapine was associated with an additional $1.31 on other antipsychotics.
- Antipsychotic polypharmacy was common, with 58% of patients experiencing it for over 60 days.
Takeaway
Using more than one antipsychotic medicine can make treating schizophrenia much more expensive.
Methodology
Data were collected from a large, prospective, naturalistic, multi-site, nonrandomized study of treatment for schizophrenia in the U.S. from 1997 to 2003, focusing on costs associated with antipsychotic medications.
Potential Biases
Potential treatment group selection bias exists due to the nonrandomized nature of the study.
Limitations
The study is observational and nonrandomized, which may introduce selection bias despite statistical adjustments.
Participant Demographics
Participants were diagnosed with schizophrenia or related disorders, with an average age of 41 years, predominantly male (57.3%), and mostly covered by Medicaid or Medicare (82.1%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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