Utilization-pattern-of-lipid-modifying-agents-in-an-outpatient-pharmacy-department-of-a-private-hospital-in-malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: Lipid-modifying drugs have been used to treat dyslipidemia as well as for the primary and secondary prevention of CVDs and stroke. Objectives: This study aims to describe the drug utilization pattern of lipid-modifying drugs in a private hospital. Method: A retrospective study was carried out in outpatient of the selected hospital. Patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by using convenience sampling. Data were collected through KCIS by retrieving patients’ registration number. Defined daily dose (DDD) was calculated and compared to World Health Organization DDD. Medicine prices were also analysed. Results: A total of 180 patients’ record were analysed, 70% of them were male; 40.6% of the patients were from the age range of 50 to 59 years old; ethnicity breakdown was Malay (69.4%), Indian (18.3%) and Chinese (12.2%). Among all lipid-modifying drugs, utilization of statins was the highest as statins are the preferred line in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Innovator brands were more preferred where most of the lipid-modifying drugs used in the selected hospital are innovator brand drugs. In terms of cost, lipid-modifying drugs contributes to about 27% of the total cost of prescription in average. Conclusion: The utilization of all lipid-modifying drugs in the selected hospital was lower as compared to WHO DDD. As compared to combination therapy, monotherapy with atorvastatin was generally preferred in the selected hospital. The utilization of atorvastatin was found to be the highest in the OPD of the selected hospital.