A Retrospective Chart Review Evaluating Efficacy, Tolerability, and Cost of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors (PCSK9i) in Older Adults.

introductionProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are proven to have profound lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or familial hypercholesterolemia.

aimThe primary purpose of this study was to evaluate PCSK9i utilization in older adults, with a focus on efficacy outcomes within 6 months of initiation. Secondary outcomes included tolerability, out-of-pocket expenses (OPE), and barriers to initiation of therapy.

methodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of patients ≥ 65 years prescribed PCSK9i therapy by a pharmacist-run lipid clinic within a cardiology practice.

resultsA total of 136 older adults were prescribed PCSK9i therapy for a Food and Drug Administration-approved indication between September 2015 and March 2019 with 98 patients included in the analyses. In terms of efficacy, 51 patients who took ≥ 3 doses of PCSK9i with baseline and follow-up lipid panels were assessed. On average, LDL-C reduced by 60% (169-67 mg/dL, p < 0.001). For tolerability, 15 patients reported treatment-emergent side effects, resulting in 10 therapy discontinuations. For the cost analysis, 72 patients reported anticipated OPE for 1 month of therapy. Ultimately 17 patients were approved for manufacturer patient assistance with $0 OPE and 31 patients utilized insurance coverage to obtain therapy reporting a median OPE of $9 United States Dollars ($0-$450). The main barrier to initiation was high OPE.

conclusionsPCSK9i are effective at lowering LDL-C in older adults. Tolerability was high among patients without a history of statin intolerance. PCSK9i remain high-cost medications to both insurance companies and patients in terms of cost-sharing responsibilities.