Chapman, SR, Fitzpatrick, RW and Aladul, MI (2016) Did Cost Inhibit the Uptake of More potent Statins? Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, 26 (8). pp. 984-991. ISSN 1099-1557

This is the latest version of this item.

[thumbnail of Did cost inhibit the uptake of more potent statins %281%29 (1).pdf]
Preview
Text
Did cost inhibit the uptake of more potent statins %281%29 (1).pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial.

Download (17kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background
The use of statins has increased substantially over the last 2 decades in England and represents a significant cost burden to the National Health Service. Therefore, it is important to understand what influences prescribers' choice.

Objectives
This study examines the changes in use pattern of all statins in England (1998‐2015). The study focuses on the use of simvastatin and atorvastatin before and after their patent expiry and rosuvastatin, to investigate the impact of the reduced acquisition costs on prescribing.

Methods
Interrupted time series analysis of primary care use data from the health and social care information centre database from 1998 to 2015.

Results
Primary care expenditure on statins increased by 125% during the period 1998 to 2004 driven by branded simvastatin and atorvastatin. Before 2003, the rate of use of more potent branded atorvastatin exceeds branded simvastatin. Between 2004 and 2011, the less potent but less expensive agent generic simvastatin has the higher utilisation rate (66%). Since 2012, the more potent agent but less expensive generic atorvastatin has the higher utilisation rate (50%). The more potent branded rosuvastatin failed to make a significant impact on the English statins market.

Conclusions
The availability of generic statins has reduced overall expenditure significantly. When there is a significant price difference, acquisition cost appears to be the main influencing factor in prescribing statins, but, when costs are similar, potency is a key factor. This suggests that English prescribers are cost sensitive and appear to be prepared to trade marginal benefit for savings.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Abstract of paper presented at Prescribing and Research in Medicines Management (UK & Ireland) Conference 2016 Health Foundation London January 29th 2016 “Ethics, Economics and the Future of Medicines – A Population Perspective” This is the peer reviewed version of the following abstract: Anon, 2016. Prescribing and Research in Medicines Management (UK & Ireland) Conference 2016 Health Foundation London January 29th 2016 “Ethics, Economics and the Future of Medicines - A Population Perspective.” Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf, 25, pp.3–23, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pds.4019 This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Uncontrolled Keywords: statins, simvastatin, atorvastatin, generics, prescribing
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica
Divisions: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine
Depositing User: Symplectic
Date Deposited: 29 Jun 2016 12:54
Last Modified: 12 Apr 2019 13:18
URI: https://eprints.keele.ac.uk/id/eprint/1922

Available Versions of this Item

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item