PCV91 BETA BLOCKERS AND DIURETICS USAGE IN CROATIA AND SLOVENIA DURING A NINE-YEAR PERIOD

Abstract

Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are the major health problem and adequate therapy, which includes usage of beta blockers (ATC, C07) and diuretics (ATC, C03), leads to reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to identify and analyze changes in the usage of these drugs in Croatia and Slovenia from 2000-2008 and to identify the rate of the generic drugs usage as well as the average price for 1 DDD. Methods: The data concerning consumption have been obtained from the International Medical Statistics database for Croatia and they are presented in defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDD/1000). Financial expenditure data are presented in Euros and the average cost per DDD was calculated for each drug group. Results: The total usage of diuretics is on average 19% higher in Croatia and continually increasing in both countries. Consumption rate of furosemid among diuretics is lower in Slovenia (43.96% in 2008), while in Croatia 67.28% (2008). The generic drugs usage is higher in Croatia during the whole investigated period, e.g. in 2008, 87.4 % of all prescribed diuretics were generics in Croatia, and in Slovenia 59.4%. The average price per 1 DDD was more than twice lower in Croatia (0.08 EUR/DDD vs. 0.17 EUR/DDD in Slovenia). The beta blockers drugs usage is 13% higher in Slovenia, but generic drugs usage is higher in Croatia. Conclusions: Increased diuretics and beta blockers drug usage is comparable to worldwide trends, but drug prescribing patterns are different when comparing both countries. Although the generic drugs usage is relatively high in Croatia, it should be further supported and promoted. According to our investigation there is a possibility for further price reduction of diuretics and beta blockers in Slovenia. This is important as a tool to decrease costs of healthcare systems.