Exploring the Impact of Dispensing Channel on Medication Adherence Among Multiple Sclerosis Patients

This retrospective analysis evaluates the impact of the dispensing channel (specialty pharmacy versus retail) on medication adherence for patients receiving therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS).

In examining pharmacy claims for MS patients for one year between 2007 and 2008, researchers measured adherence using a medication possession ratio (MPR), with patients considered adherent if MPR ≥80%.

From the study population, a matched sample of 19,742 was chosen (9,871 in the specialty and retail channel). There were no differences in demographics between the samples. Overall comparison showed an average MPR of 89.94% for specialty and 84.08% for retail; with 81.52% of specialty patients adherent (MPR >80%) vs. 71.18% of retail patients.

Researchers concluded that patients who receive their MS medication from a specialty pharmacy are much more likely to be adherent than those who receive it from a retail pharmacy.

Tang J, Faris RJ; Accredo Health Group, Memphis, TN.

Presented at the 14th Annual International Meeting of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), May 2009. More information about this study can be found in the attached clinical summary.