Medication use in people with cystic fibrosis before and after modulator
therapy.
Abstract
Background: Long-term changes in medication dispensings post
cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator
initiation have not been described. We investigated changes in
dispensings among people with Cystic Fibrosis (PwCF) following modulator
initiation, using national prescription claims data in Australia.
Methods: Using a 10% sample of the Australian Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme (PBS) data between 2013-2022, linear regression was used
to analyse dispensings in PwCF who initiated any modulator (cases) and
matched PwCF controls not dispensed a modulator. The difference in mean
number of total monthly dispensings pre- and post-modulator initiation
was analysed, with separate analyses by medication class.
Results: A total of 247 cases were matched 1:1 to controls (case
and control median age 21 years (IQR: 13-32), 55.1% male). Immediately
after modulator initiation, the mean number of dispensings was 0.9
higher in the modulator group, but then decreased to the level of
controls after approximately 5 years. After 7.5 years, cases had
decreased opioids compared to the pre-modulator period (β-coefficient:
-0.00131, 95% CI: -0.00164, -0.00097) whilst controls did not (β:
-0.00014, 95% CI: -0.00042, 0.00014). Over the same time period
controls had an increase in psychotropics (β: 0.00389, 95% CI:0.00295,
0.00484) whilst cases remained stable (β: -0.00014, 95% CI: -0.0006,
0.00031). Women’s health medications increased in cases (β:0.00026, 95%
CI:0.0001, 0.00042) but decreased in controls (β:-0.00044, 95%
CI:-0.00063, -0.00025). Conclusions: Modulator initiation in PwCF
was associated with decreased dispensings of opioids and psychotropics,
and increased dispensings of women’s health medications, suggesting
improved patient outcomes across multiple clinical domains .