Comparing Patients Starting Raloxifene and Bisphosphonates
Author Information
Author(s): Shonda A Foster, Kathleen A Foley, Eric S Meadows, Joseph A Johnston, Sara Wang, Gerhardt M Pohl, Stacey R Long
Primary Institution: Eli Lilly and Company
Hypothesis
The study aims to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients initiating raloxifene with those initiating bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment.
Conclusion
Patients initiating raloxifene treatment were younger and had better overall health compared to those initiating bisphosphonates.
Supporting Evidence
- Raloxifene patients were younger than bisphosphonate patients.
- Raloxifene patients had fewer comorbid conditions.
- Raloxifene patients were less likely to have had a bone mineral density screening.
Takeaway
This study looked at women starting two different osteoporosis medications and found that those on raloxifene were generally younger and healthier than those on bisphosphonates.
Methodology
The study used a retrospective cohort design analyzing claims data from commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid databases.
Potential Biases
Potential for coding errors or omissions in claims data.
Limitations
The study relies on claims data, which may have coding errors and does not directly assess the primary medical condition prompting prescriptions.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 45 and older, with a focus on those initiating treatment for osteoporosis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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