PMS14 - Cost-Savings Due to The Withdrawing of Biological Therapy for Treatment of Rheumathoid Artritis in A Specialized Center in Colombia

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the prevalent autoimmune inflammatory arthritis found in adults, with a worldwide prevalence ranging from 0.4% to 1.3%. The biological therapy for the treatment of RA can cost more than ten times the cost of conventional disease modifying RA drugs (DMARDs). Moreover, the increasing use of biologics is the greatest source of direct costs of patients with RA impacting health systems. The aim of this study was to describe the cost savings regarding the discontinuation of biological therapy in patients with RA during five years in a specialized RA medical center. A descriptive study was performed. We reviewed the records from patients that were receiving biological therapy and after some time had a withdrawing of the therapy; the criteria for discontinuation of medications were: diagnostic mistake, therapy failure, comorbidities, adverse events or very extended remission. Between 2011 and 2016, 140 patients were withdrawn from biological therapy; 23% of patients stopped therapy due to adverse events, 16% due to complex comorbidities, 15% for obtaining remission, 15% due to serious infections, 13% diagnostic mistake and 7% for therapy failure. The correct discontinuation of biological therapy saved per patient 9.800 USD/year and for the 140 patients 1.372.000 USD/million The biological therapy for the treatment of RA brings high costs in several countries from the perspective of the health system and the society. These results suggest that adequate discontinuation of biological therapy can reduce the health care system expenses.