Dose escalation of the index biologic occurred in 9.6% of patients over the 12-month follow-up, they added.
“High rates of discontinuation and switching of biologic therapies, along with high rates of dose escalation, suggest a high frequency of suboptimal biologic experience in patients with PsA,” they wrote. Although the study did not address why patients discontinued or switched, previous studies suggest adverse effects and lack of efficacy are the most commonly reported reasons.
“Insufficient control of symptoms may lead patients to discontinue biologic therapy, which can contribute to disease progression,” the authors said in their conclusion.
Novartis sponsored the study. Some study authors reported disclosures related to Novartis, including consultancy and employment, and to Optum, which was commissioned to conduct the study.
SOURCE: Walsh JA et al. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2018 Mar 20. doi: 10.18553/jmcp.2018.17388.