All forms and strengths of Claritin, which had the largest market share of the prescription NSAs, became available for sale OTC in December 2002. The study used data from 1,779 plan sponsors across Express Scripts' book of business in examining the financial impact on plans sponsors of their choice of prescription NSA benefit design after Claritin went OTC.
"The results of the study indicate that plans should not cover OTC loratadine unless the coverage is provided simply as a benefit to their members without consideration of the lost savings," reported Tom Delate, PhD, director of research for Express Scripts and principal investigator for the study.
In another finding, increases in the rate of spending for Singulair® and Flonase® increased during the period.
"All benefit designs experienced substantial increases in the rate of Singulair spend and use, which coincided with its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its use with allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever," said Delate. "Plans should consider step therapy to manage spending on Singulair." Under step therapy, a patient tries a lower cost but similar drug to see if it works and is well tolerated before using a more expensive alternative.
The study can be found at:
http://www.express-scripts.com/other/news_views/outcomes_research/online_pub_home.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 eight 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 http://www.express-scripts.com, which includes expanded investor information and resources.