Study of the reimbursement indicators and pharmacoeconomic assessment of antihyperlipidemic drugs

Abstract

Introduction Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in Bulgaria and in all of the developed countries. Hyperlipidemia is a worldwide problem, which is a disorder of the lipid metabolism and is often accompanied by high levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides. It is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Aim The aim of the study was to analyze the antihyperlipidemic drugs from the group of statins that are available in Bulgaria and presented in Annex 1 of the Positive Drug List issued by NCPR and to assess the level and value of their reimbursement (the value the public insurance company is paying). A secondary task we achieved was to perform a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the most commonly prescribed statin. Materials and Methods The reimbursement of cardiovascular drugs takes a prominent place in the debate about reforming the Bulgarian health care system. Different pharmacoeconomic issues of antihyperlipidemic drugs from the group of statins have been observed and the results show that they are underestimated in terms of level of reimbursement. A cost/result (CEA) analysis of the use of statins for treatment of hyperlipidemia was performed for rosuvastatin and compared to the other drugs from the class. Results According to Annex 1 of the Positive Drug List, the group of medicinal products for the treatment of hyperlipidemia - statins has a level of reimbursement of 25%. The results show an explicit evaluation of the costs of NHIF for rosuvastatin. The performed meta-analysis also points out greater benefits and effectiveness of rosuvastatin, which rationally affects the prescribing of this medication. Conclusions Treatment with rosuvastatin is assumed to be the most cost-effective one and to a great extent sets goals for the reduction of cholesterol in patients with high cardiovascular risk.