Abstract

Previous estimates of the cost of allergic rhinitis predate the substantial increase in the use of second-generation antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids.We sought to update estimates of the direct costs of allergic rhinitis in the United States and to estimate prescription medication expenditures by type of insurance coverage.Data from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used in a cross-sectional analysis of resource use and costs.Approximately 7.7% of the population are estimated to have had allergic rhinitis in 1996. The total direct medical cost of allergic rhinitis was estimated at $3.4 billion, with the majority attributable to prescription medications (46.6%) and outpatient visits (51.9%). Fifty-one percent of the prescription medication expenditures were for second-generation antihistamines, 25% for intranasal corticosteroids, and 5% for first-generation antihistamines. Fifty-eight percent of patients with allergic rhinitis received 1 or more prescription drugs for its treatment during the study year. Among these patients, mean prescription expenditures were $131 (95% CI, $119-$143), of which $50 (95% CI, $43-$56) were paid out of pocket. The mean prescription medication expenditure was $103 (95% CI, $70-$136) for persons with Medicaid, $155 (95% CI, $140-$169) for private insurance, $213 (95% CI, $0-$521) for other insurance, and $69 (95% CI, $57-$80) for no prescription drug insurance.The direct costs of allergic rhinitis have increased substantially since the introduction of second-generation antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids, especially costs attributable to prescription medications. Individuals with no insurance coverage have higher total out-of-pocket prescription expenditures than those with coverage.

View details for DOI 10.1067/mai.2003.68

View details for Web of Science ID 000180942700012

View details for PubMedID 12589348