The study by Express Scripts examined Viagra use among more than 5 million commercially insured adult beneficiaries 18 years and older from 1998 to 2002. The fastest growing segments of users were found to be men 18 to 45 years and 46 to 55 years, who experienced increases in use of 312% and 216%, respectively, over the study period. In addition, use for an underlying medical reason declined in all age groups over the five years. These findings suggest increased use of Viagra as an enhancement or recreational agent.
Overall, use increased from 0.8% of the sample population in 1998 to 1.4% in 2002, an 84% increase. Men 56 years and older continued to receive the majority of Viagra prescriptions. In contrast with greater use among younger men, growth in use slowed among women and older men.
With healthcare resources becoming more scarce, debate continues over the coverage of lifestyle medications such as Viagra. "Already concerned with the impact Viagra has had on their pharmacy budgets, health plan sponsors now face the prospect of increased use among a younger, healthier generation of patients," said Tom Delate, Ph.D., lead author of the study. "In addition, marketing approval of other erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Levitra(R) and Cialis(R), will likely increase utilization of such drugs."
The coverage of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs by prescription benefit plans varies widely, with some plans having no restrictions on coverage, others requiring prior authorization for medical necessity or placing quantity limits, and others offering no coverage. In one finding, the use of quantity limits by plan sponsors can mitigate the effects of increased demand for ED drugs.
For more than a decade, Express Scripts has employed a company-paid research staff, which now numbers 15 professionals, representing the fields of pharmacy, economics, health-services research and epidemiology. Many of the studies they conduct are published in peer-reviewed journals, reported in the national media and presented at scientific or professional conferences, including the annual Express Scripts Outcomes Conference held for clients. First published in 1996, the annual Express Scripts Drug Trend Report quickly earned national recognition as the most comprehensive, publicly available analysis of U.S. drug-cost trends. Express Scripts also conducted the first national study of regional variation in prescription-drug utilization patterns across the United States. More information about these and other studies are available at www.express-scripts.com/other/news_views/outcomes_research.htm.
Express Scripts, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESRX) is one of the largest pharmacy benefit management (PBM) companies in North America, providing PBM services to over 50 million members through facilities in 13 states and Canada. Express Scripts serves thousands of client groups, including managed-care organizations, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, employers and union-sponsored benefit plans.
Express Scripts provides integrated PBM services, including network pharmacy claims processing, mail pharmacy services, benefit design consultation, drug utilization review, formulary management, disease management, medical and drug data analysis services, and medical information management services. The Company also provides distribution services for specialty pharmaceuticals through its Specialty Distribution subsidiary. Express Scripts is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. More information can be found at www.express-scripts.com, which includes expanded investor information and resources.
Journal
International Journal of Impotence Research