UNCONTROLLED ALLERGY IS ASSOCIATED WITH SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIVITY LOSS AMONG WORKING AMERICANS

Abstract

Introduction Uncontrolled allergic rhinitis negatively impacts workplace productivity. House dust mite (HDM) is the most prevalent perennial allergy, but it can be effectively treated with allergy immunotherapy (AIT). Subcutaneous injection (SCIT) is the most common route of HDM AIT, however SCIT itself can adversely affect workplace productivity when the travel time required to receive the injections overlaps the workday. Methods This is an assessment, using an economic model, of the productivity impact of uncontrolled allergy in the US and an evaluation of the productivity impact of SCIT versus a new FDA-approved form of AIT, sublingual immunotherapy tablet (SLIT-tablet). The productivity impact is split into absenteeism and presenteeism. Results For the average employee with uncontrolled allergy the estimated annual productivity loss is $4,500, where presenteeism accounts for 81% of that total. In the pivotal North American placebo-controlled trial with HDM SLIT-tablet, statistical significant improvement was demonstrated by the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) in the activities domain (p=0.0001 vs placebo), which includes work-related actions. The HDM SLIT-tablet is home-administered and associated with considerably fewer doctor's office visits, contributing to less workplace productivity loss versus SCIT. The additional productivity loss of SCIT and SLIT-tablet due to related doctor visits are $1,147 and $80, respectively. Conclusions Uncontrolled allergic rhinitis is associated with workplace productivity loss. HDM SLIT-tablet offers an AIT treatment option that demonstrates improved RQLQ and contributes to decreased productivity loss. Furthermore, the home-administration of SLIT-tablet optimizes productivity versus SCIT because of fewer visits to the doctor.