Pharmacoepidemiological analysis of statins dispensing patterns in pharmacy practice: Profile and side effects

Abstract

Introduction: Modern way of life contributes to the ever increasing incidence of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, prescribing of statins, drugs used for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, gains momentum worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze profile of drug dispensing, side effects frequency and correlation with treatment duration. Subjects and methods: The study included 44 randomly selected patients who used statins. The length of the follow-up was a one month, in the outpatient pharmacy situated in the city of Belgrade, where patients filled out the survey. Data were statistically analyzed and presented in tables and graph enclosed. Results: Results showed that it is more frequent use of these drugs in secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, than in primary. Likewise, there is a significant difference in distribution between different therapy duration categories and indication (x2 = 7.726; p = 0.021) and significant difference in distribution between different categories in weight gain (x2=11.535; p=0.003). The average ages of respondents were 66.93±7.65 years, and average duration of therapy 31.68 months. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the use of statins is justified in primary prevention up to 32 months of duration. After this period additional measures concerning its justification are required. From the standpoint of pharmacovigilance, it is necessary to frequently conduct the evaluation of prescriptions and use of these drugs, in order to prevent side effects.

Keywords

• hyperlipidemia
• pharmacovigilance
• treatment duration
• prevention