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Osteoporosis patients preferred 6-month subcutaneous injections, monthly tablet treatments
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Patients with osteoporosis preferred 6-month subcutaneous injections and oral monthly tablets compared with other treatment methods, according to recent study results.
Researchers conducted a discrete choice experiment survey of 257 patients with or at risk for osteoporosis (mean age, 67.1 years; 83.3% women). The patients had a choice between two hypothetical unlabeled drug treatments, along with an opt-out option, that varied in the following attributes: “efficacy in reducing the risk for fracture, type of potential common side-effects, mode and frequency of administration and out-of-pocket costs.”
Treatment option sets were created through an experimental design, while patients’ preferences and compromises between attributes were estimated through a mixed logit panel data model.
Treatment involving higher effectiveness and lower cost was preferred by patients. An oral monthly tablet or 6-month subcutaneous injection was preferred compared with weekly oral tablets, 3-month subcutaneous, 3-month intravenous or yearly intravenous injections.
Gastrointestinal disorder risk was more strongly disliked than risk for skin reactions and flu-like symptoms. Except for subcutaneous injection preferences, other preference attributes varied among the patients.
“This study revealed that osteoporotic patients … were willing to trade efficacy or to pay a personal contribution for their preferred outcomes,” the researchers concluded. “Results of this study could be very useful for health professionals and decision makers, especially given the poor adherence to weekly oral regimens and the potential differences in health care costs associated with osteoporosis medications.”
Disclosure: See the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.
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