Vasculitis & polymyalgia rheumatica
Delays in Tocilizumab Therapy for Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis in the United States
Authors' conclusion
Patients with GCA experienced significant delays in starting TCZ therapy. In addition, patients on Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans had significantly higher out-of-pocket costs compared to other patients.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) prescribed subcutaneous tocilizumab (TCZ) at the University of Washington, 2017–2024
- Participants
- 82 patients
- Exposure
- Medicare or Medicare Advantage vs other insurance payors
- Outcome
- Delay in TCZ initiation: time from medication request to approval/start
Methodological detailschart review, single-centre
- Chart review
- Single-centre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Time to TCZ initiation, all patients
Mean time between request and first dose (days)
43
Mean time between request and insurance approval (days)
17
Mean time between approval and medication start (days)
30
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Out-of-pocket cost for the first month of TCZ
P < 0.01
- Copay assistance
- P < 0.01
- Full coverage of medication by drug manufacturer or foundation
- P = 0.04
- Copay assistance: significantly higher rates with Medicare or Medicare Advantage
- Full coverage of medication by drug manufacturer or foundation: significantly higher rates with Medicare or Medicare Advantage
Original publication
Delays in Tocilizumab Therapy for Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis in the United States. J Rheumatol. Published 15 March 2025. doi:10.
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