Retrospective Review of Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agent (ESA) Use Reveals Physicians Adhering to FDA Warnings

This study assessed trends in erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) use and costs from 2006 to 2008 in patients with renal disease and non-renal disease to determine the impact on prescriber behavior of FDA warnings regarding ESA therapy. An analysis of medical and pharmacy claims from an integrated data base found that in both population segments, the number of ESA users began to decline at the time the FDA issued its warnings. The decline was greater in non-renal patients (54% vs. 19% in renal patients), which was not unexpected given the health concerns associated with ESA use in cancer patients (the primary component of non-renal patients).

As the number of ESA users declined, total dollars paid by health plans decreased substantially – from $64.3 million in 2006 to $36.2 million in 2008 for the entire study population. It was particularly interesting to note that the decline in ESA usage occurred without a reciprocal increase in red blood cell transfusions.

Presented December 8, 2009, at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). More information about this study can be found in the attached clinical brief and abstract.

S. Lust, M. Subar, Medco Health Solutions, Inc., Franklin Lakes, NJ