engleski

Lipid modifying agents usage in Croatia during the 5-year period

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases are the major health problem and adequate therapy, which includes usage of lipid modifying agents (ATC, C10) leads to reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to analyse changes in the usage of these drugs in Croatia from 2008-2013 and to identify the rate of the generic drugs usage. METHODS Consumption data have been obtained from the International Medical Statistics database for Croatia. Annual volumes of drugs are presented, according to the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Drugs Statistics Methodology, in defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDD/1000), while financial expenditure data are presented in Euros (€). An average cost per DDD was calculated for each group of drugs. RESULTS The total utilization of lipid modifying agents in Croatia increased 52% during the 5-year period (from 39.72 to 60.25 DDD/1000), while the related expenses in the same period decreased 10%. The ratio of prescribed ATC C10 drugs group generics increased from 57.65% to 63.96% during the same period. The average cost per DDD decreased from 0.50 to 0.30 €/DDD. The price of original lipid modifying agents decreased 23.03%, while the price of generic lipid modifying agents 50.49%. CONCLUSION Increased lipid modifying agents drug usage is comparable to worldwide trends. Although the generic drugs usage is relatively high, it should be further supported and promoted. The average cost per DDD gradually decreased mainly as the result of the introduction of generics and the implementation of restrictive pricing drugs policy in Croatia.

Cardiovascular diseases; lipid modifying agents; generic drugs; consumption data; health-care costs

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