Prescription refills and healthcare costs associated with topical metronidazole in Medicaid enrolled patients with rosacea

Background: Refill adherence to medications and healthcare costs are important factors to consider while making informed decisions regarding the treatment of rosacea patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine predictors of number of refills related to topical metronidazole and total healthcare costs in rosacea patients. Methods: This study utilized a longitudinal cohort design and followed rosacea patients enrolled in North Carolina Medicaid and who were prescribed at least one study medication (topical metronidazole, adapalene, azelaic acid, permethrin, and sulfacetamide). Patients' demographic characteristics, number of metronidazole refills, and different components of healthcare costs were examined. Results: Out of the total 2587 rosacea patients, the majority (∼69%, n = 1771) had one or more prescriptions for topical metronidazole. Most of the patients in this study were white (73%). After controlling for other variables, increasing age was associated with a higher number of metr...