Use of Antihypertensive Drugs in Spain (1995-2001)

• Published in: Revista española de cardiologia 2004-03, Vol.57 (3), p.241-249
• Main Authors: García del Pozo, Javier, Ramos Sevillano, Eduardo, de Abajo, Francisco J., Mateos Campos, Ramona
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; spa
• Subjects: ACE inhibitors; Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical class of medications; angiotensin II receptor blockers (angiotensin II antagonists); angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; Antihipertensivos; Antihypertensive Agents - economics; Antihypertensive Agents - therapeutic use; Antihypertensives; ARBs; ATC; BBs; beta-blockers; calcium channel blockers; CCBs; Consumo; Consumption; Coste; Costs; Costs and Cost Analysis; DDD; DDD/1000; defined daily doses; defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants and day; Drug utilization; Drug Utilization - statistics & numerical data; Hipertensión; Humans; Hypertension; Hypertension - drug therapy; Hypertension - economics; Hypertension - epidemiology; JNC VI; JNC VII; Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure; Sixth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure; Spain - epidemiology; Utilización de medicamentos; WHO; WHO-ISH; World Health Organization; World Health Organization-International Society of Hypertension
• ISSN: 1885-5857; 0300-8932; 1885-5857
• DOI: 10.1016/S1885-5857(06)60142-4

In the last few years there have been changes in the pattern of consumption of antihypertensive drugs in Spain. This study aimed to describe the pattern of use in Spain from 1995 to 2001, its compliance with guidelines, and its economic impact. An aim of particular interest for our study was the impact of angiotensin II receptor antagonists on the consumption of the drugs from other therapeutic subgroups. Information on drug utilization was obtained from the ECOM database of the Spanish Ministry of Health, which records the number of packages charged to the National Health System. Data were expressed in defined daily dose (DDD) and DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDD/1000). Antihypertensive consumption in Spain increased from 113.1 DDD/1000 in 1995 to 182.8 in 2001 (an increase of 61.65%). In 2001, angiotensin II receptor antagonists accounted for 25% of the costs and 14% of the consumption. Overall, costs increased from 646.42 million euros in 1995 to 1144.77 million euros in 2001. The consumption of antihypertensive drugs in Spain has increased remarkably in the last 7 years. Likewise, costs have increased proportionately, although the contributions of different therapeutic subgroups have been unequal. The impact of angiotensin II receptor antagonists has been considerable, both on consumption and on costs. En los últimos años se han producido cambios en el patrón de utilización de los antihipertensivos en España. Describir este patrón de utilización entre 1995 y 2001, su adecuación a las recomendaciones y sus repercusiones económicas ha sido el objetivo del presente trabajo. Se ha dedicado particular atención al impacto que la introducción de los antagonistas de los receptores de la angiotensina II ha podido tener en el consumo de otros subgrupos. La información sobre el consumo de antihipertensivos en España se obtuvo de la base ECOM del Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo, que contiene las especialidades farmacéuticas facturadas con cargo al Sistema Nacional de Salud en el ámbito extrahospitalario. El consumo se expresó en dosis diarias definidas (DDD) por 1.000 habitantes y día (DHD). El consumo de antihipertensivos en España pasó de 113,1 DHD en 1995 a 182,8 DHD en 2001 (un 61,6% de incremento). Para el año 2001, los antagonistas de receptores de la angiotensina II supusieron casi el 25% de los costes, frente a un 14% del consumo. Para el conjunto de los antihipertensivos, los costes han pasado de 646,42 millones de euros en 1995 a 1.144,77 en 2001. E