Changes in the Use of Opioids, Antidepressants, and Benzodiazepines in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated With Biologic Agents

Bristol-Myers Squibb1,810 enrolled

Overview

To compare the proportion of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants before versus after starting each of the following biologics: abatacept, infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, utilizing an administrative claims database.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

1,810

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Eligibility

Sex: ALL

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * ICD 9 diagnosis RA 714.0 * Documented first biologic prescription ("index" prescription) for abatacept, infliximab, etanercept, or adalimumab * Continuous therapy (gap between scripts no greater than 150% days supply) for minimum 6 months from index * Prescription claims data available for 6 months before and 12 months after index biologic prescription * Continuous eligibility for 6 months before and 12 months after index biologic prescription Exclusion Criteria: * Prescription claims for another biologic during the observation period (including rituximab and anakinra) * Prescriptions not continuous for at least 6 months

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Proportion of RA patients prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants

Time frame: 0-6 months after index biologic prescription

Proportion of RA patients prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants

Time frame: 7-12 months after index biologic prescription

Secondary Outcomes

Prevalence of depression and/or anxiety (ICD-9 diagnosis code)

Time frame: Between 0-6 months after index biologic prescription

Prevalence of depression and/or anxiety (ICD-9 diagnosis code)

Time frame: 7-12 months after index biologic prescription

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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