INTRODUCTION
Topical calcineurin inhibitors are a family of drugs that have been touted for having high efficacy without the risks of cutaneous atrophy and systemic absorption seen with topical corticosteroids.1 They may play an important role in the elderly population, where preexisting cutaneous atrophy increases susceptibility to these adverse effects.1-3 Until 2014, the topical calcineurin inhibitors were only available as branded medications; however, in 2014, generic tacrolimus ointment entered the United States’ prescription drug market. There is currently little information regarding usage trends in the elderly, and how usage and costs were impacted by generic availability of tacrolimus.2,4 We aim to systematically analyze prescription claims and costs for calcineurin inhibitors in the Medicare population.
We compiled data using Medicare’s Part D Prescriber Public Use File (PUF). We report prescription totals and costs for branded pimecrolimus, branded tacrolimus, and generic tacrolimus from the years 2013-2018 that were prescribed by dermatologists.
Claims for tacrolimus increased by an average of 43.9% from 2013 to 2018, with the largest increases happening after 2015 (Table 1, Figure 1A). As expected, once tacrolimus became generic, branded tacrolimus use declined. Claims for pimecrolimus remained relatively stable (Table 1, Figure 1A). With the increased claims for calcineurin inhibitors, overall spending on calcineurin inhibitors increased, while cost-perclaim decreased from $370 in 2013 to $345 in 2018 (Table 1, Figure 1B).
We compiled data using Medicare’s Part D Prescriber Public Use File (PUF). We report prescription totals and costs for branded pimecrolimus, branded tacrolimus, and generic tacrolimus from the years 2013-2018 that were prescribed by dermatologists.
Claims for tacrolimus increased by an average of 43.9% from 2013 to 2018, with the largest increases happening after 2015 (Table 1, Figure 1A). As expected, once tacrolimus became generic, branded tacrolimus use declined. Claims for pimecrolimus remained relatively stable (Table 1, Figure 1A). With the increased claims for calcineurin inhibitors, overall spending on calcineurin inhibitors increased, while cost-perclaim decreased from $370 in 2013 to $345 in 2018 (Table 1, Figure 1B).
