Comparing clinical and economic outcomes of biologic and conventional medications in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Abstract

Rationale, aims and objectives Biologics are substantially more expensive than their conventional counterparts but it is unclear whether extra costs deliver better health outcomes. We compare clinical and economic outcomes between teriparatide (monthly costs $1120) and bisphosphonates (monthly costs $14) among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Methods From a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries, we selected women newly diagnosed with osteoporosis between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011 and who initiated teriparatide or bisphosphonates after the diagnosis. We followed them up until one of these events: switching osteoporosis treatment, death, or the end of study period..