MEDICATION USE PATTERNS IN ASTHMATIC PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT ALLERGIES

Abstract

Introduction The prevalence of allergic asthma (AA) among patients with asthma is significant. We examined medication use patterns among individuals with asthma with and without comorbid allergies to explore potential differences. Methods Retrospective analysis of survey and pharmacy claims from the Observational Study of Asthma Control and Outcomes. Eligible patients with persistent asthma aged ≥12 years were sent four surveys over 15 months. Allergies were identified by a positive response to survey question about hay fever/seasonal allergies and at least one diagnostic code (ICD-9) for atopic conditions. Outcomes included the number of asthma prescriptions dispensed (NPD) and any use (yes/no). Random-effects (RE) negative binomial regression was used for NPD and RE logistic regression was used for dichotomous outcomes, adjusting for age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education, smoking status and season. Results There were 2,681 individuals with asthma of whom 971 also had allergies. Patients with asthma and comorbid allergies received significantly more prescriptions than patients without comorbid allergies for the following asthma medications (TABLE 1: incidence rate ratio [IRR]): controller (1.22), ICS (1.16), high-dose ICS (2.50), OCS (2.31) and SABA (1.18). Patients with comorbid allergies had significantly greater odds of chronic (OR 16.15) and short-term OCS (OR 2.34) use. Conclusions Patients with asthma and allergic comorbidity have significantly greater asthma-related medication burden than patients with asthma but no allergies. The greater medication use among patients with allergic comorbidity is consistent with more severe asthma. Patients with asthma and allergies may need more vigilant clinical oversight to ensure adequate control. Medication Use for Asthmatic Patients with Allergies Compared to those Without Allergies