title: Utilization patterns of extended-release naltrexone for alcohol dependence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate health plan member utilization patterns of extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) and assess the cost of alcohol-related hospitalizations and medical and pharmacy costs. This is the first known study that examined post-XR-NTX therapy outcomes and costs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of claims data.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 48 members was identified with continuous pharmacy and medical benefit enrollment between July 1, 2006, and December 31, 2008, and a medical claim for reimbursement code J2315 (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) with a date of service between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2007.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average duration of XR-NTX therapy was 3 months. Among the 40% of patients who received 3 or more months of therapy, 58% had gaps in therapy. Post-XR-NTX therapy, alcohol-related hospitalization, medical, and pharmacy costs significantly decreased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings validate that abstinence from alcohol remains an issue after discontinuing therapy. Despite most patients being on therapy for less than 6 months, there were significant reductions in costs for alcohol-related hospitalizations, as well as total medical and total pharmacy costs.
authors.affiliation: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Three Penn Plaza East, PP-13Q, Newark, NJ 07105-2200, USA. Saira_Jan@horizon-bcbsnj.com
authors.forename: Saira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jan
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gill
authors.forename: Ami S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Borawala
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006296:Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009271:Naltrexone