Cost and utilization comparisons among propensity score-matched insulin lispro and regular insulin users

Area of Science:

• Pharmacoeconomics
• Health Services Research
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog, while regular insulin is a short-acting human insulin.
• Understanding the cost and utilization differences between these insulins is crucial for healthcare management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the healthcare costs and utilization patterns of patients using insulin lispro versus regular insulin.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of administrative claims data from 1998-1999.
• 1:1 propensity score matching to control for baseline differences between user groups.
• Analysis of 12-month pharmacy and medical costs and utilization (office visits, hospitalizations).

Main Results:

• Matched cohort included 1,832 pairs of insulin lispro and regular insulin users.
• Insulin lispro users had more office visits and pharmacy prescriptions but fewer inpatient hospital visits.
• Higher average office visit and pharmacy costs but lower inpatient hospital costs were observed for insulin lispro users.

Conclusions:

• Total direct healthcare costs were not significantly different between insulin lispro and regular insulin users in the short term.
• Insulin lispro use was associated with higher drug product and ambulatory care costs, offset by lower inpatient costs.