Study of reimbursed indicators for antihyperlipidemic medications in Bulgaria

Abstract

The medicines from the pharmacological group of statins are among the most widespread medicinal products in Bulgaria for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Separately increased amount of cholesterol in the blood plasma does not represent a disease but it is a significant risk factor for the development of a number of diseases and complications associated with them. Hypercholesterolemia is a prerequisite for many cardiovascular diseases, because it leads to atherosclerosis. The inclusion of medicinal products in the positive drug list is done by the National Council on Prices and Reimbursement of Medicinal Products, which also sets the level of reimbursement they receive.The reference pricing and the HTA are often implemented policies in most European countries, whose ultimate goal is obtaining a greater benefit for the financial resources invested in medicinal products. The aim of the study is to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic drugs from the group of statins which are available in Bulgaria and to estimate their reimbursement status. According to Annex 1 of the positive drug list, the group of medicinal products used for treating Hypercholesterolemia – Statins is with a reimbursement level of 25%. The most expensive Statin, which NHIF reimburses, is with an International nonproprietary name (INN) – Rosuvastatin. The reason may be that it has been prooved to be with the best efficiency compared with other members of this class. As of 02.10.2015 in the positive drug list are included 30 drugs with different trade names, which have INN – Rosuvastatin. Roswera (Produced by the company KRKA) and Tintaros (produced by the company Actavis) provide an advantage of four different dosage forms, which greatly facilitates the process of titration and increases the subject compliance of the patient. The cheapest statin in positive drug list is Torvalipin 10 mg by Actavis with an INN – Atorvastatin. The low value of reimbursement of the statins (from 0,24 to 5,56 BGN) covering only 25% by NHIF from the value of medicines and 75% co-payment by the patient is irrelevant and inappropriate, considering the prov-en clinical benefits when administered for the treatment of Hypercholesterolemia. In EU between 75% and 100% of the value of medicines of this class are covered by their health funds.