Trend Analysis of Anti-Allergic Medicines During the 11-Year Period in Iran (2006-2017)

Abstract

Up to 40% of the global and 7.4-41.3% of the Middle East population are affected by Allergic Rhinitis (AR). Patients with AR versus control group experience approximately twofold pharmaceutical expenditures and 1.8-fold number of visits. Since drug utilization can show various times of developing a disease in a country, it is used as an alternative for prevalence. In this study, we try to examine and explain the consumption of anti-allergic medicines during the past 11 years to have a perspective view of these kinds of medicines. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study that investigates anti-allergic medicines over a 11-year period (2006-2017), we used the Iranian pharmaceutical statistical datasheet published by the Iranian Ministry of Health. According to treatment guidelines of AR and WHO ATC code, we categorized anti-allergic medicines into five groups (antihistamines, Beta 2 agonists, Corticosteroids, Fixed-dose, and others), Then DIDs for these groups were calculated and analyzed. Based on our findings in this study, cetirizine, Loratadine, and Inhaled Salbutamol got the highest DID among all five groups, with 99.2, 65.4, and 57.6 retrospectively. Generally based on the third level of ATC code (second-generation anti-histamines, respiratory system drugs for obstructive airway disease, respiratory system nasal preparation, and corticosteroid for systemic use) are faced with ascending market sales. Generally, with the upward trend of anti-allergic medicines, we can conclude that the incidence of AR in Iran during the past 11 years has increased, and policymakers should follow this trend concerning a better supply chain.