Inhaled corticosteroids plus salmeterol or montelukast: effects on resource utilization and costs.

BACKGROUND

Experimental clinical studies have demonstrated that the addition of salmeterol to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) is superior to the addition of montelukast to ICSs. Observational research from real-world clinical practice is needed to confirm these results.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to assess, in clinical practice, the comparative impact on health care utilization and cost of 2 dual-controller therapies, ICS + salmeterol and ICS + montelukast.

METHODS

This study involved the use of a 24-month pre/post retrospective design in patients continuously enrolled in any of 14 United HealthCare plans. Outcomes assessed were post-index pharmacy costs, rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations, numbers of filled prescriptions for short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), total asthma costs, and total health care costs.

RESULTS

Subjects in the ICS + salmeterol group had 35% fewer post-index SABA claims than subjects in the montelukast add-on group (P

CONCLUSION

In comparison with the use of montelukast and ICS, the use of salmeterol and ICS was associated with a significant reduction in SABA use, decreased hospital event rates, and significantly lower total asthma care costs.