Testosterone Prescribing in the United States, 2002-2016

Abstract

This study uses commercial claims database data to characterize trends in testosterone prescribing in the United States from 2002 to 2016.

Figure 1.. Total and New Testosterone Use Among Men 30 Years or Older in the United States, 2002-2016

Denominators were calculated for each calendar year. Each denominator included all men who were ≥30 years at the start of the calendar year with continuous benefits for the entire study year and prior year. The denominators range from 1 823 677 in 2002 to 2 856 954 in 2016. Error bars represent 95% CIs. Interrupted time series analysis with joinpoint regression was used to assess time-related trends in testosterone use. The analysis allowed for a maximum of 5 joinpoints (indicated by red arrows). For total testosterone users, joinpoints were located at 2007 (95% CI, 2005-2010) and 2013 (95% CI, 2012-2014). For new testosterone users, joinpoints were located at 2007 (95% CI, 2004-2012) and 2012 (95% CI, 2010-2014). The inset presents new testosterone prescription rates by month, from January 2013 through December 2016. Denominators for monthly rates included all men ≥ 30 years at the start of the month with continuous benefits for the entire month and the 12 previous months. The listed numbers indicate the following specific dates: (1) article by Vigen et al released online November 6, 2013; (2) article by Finkle et al released online January 29, 2014; (3) US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety communication on testosterone therapy, January 31, 2014; (4) FDA advisory committee meeting on possible cardiovascular risks associated with testosterone therapy, September 17, 2014; (5) FDA requires testosterone label change indicating possible increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, March 3, 2015.

Figure 2.. Annual Rates of New Testosterone Use Among Men in the United States by Age and Region, 2002-2016

Denominators were calculated for each calendar year. Each denominator included men with continuous benefits for the entire study year and prior year. Regions were based on US census regions. Error bars reflect the 95% CIs. A, The denominators for any age category in any year ranged from 284 602 to 1 109 387. B, The denominators for any region category in any year ranged from 11 999 to 1 106 148.