Changes in use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in Australia over the period 1992-2004

Chan, V. and Tett, S. E. (2006) Changes in use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in Australia over the period 1992-2004. Pharmacoepidemiology And Drug Safety, 15 7: 462-468.


Author Chan, V.
Tett, S. E.
Title Changes in use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in Australia over the period 1992-2004
Journal name Pharmacoepidemiology And Drug Safety  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank B)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2006
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1002/pds.1256
Volume number 15
Issue number 7
ISSN 1053-8569
Start page 462
End page 468
Total pages 7
Editor Dr Ronald Mann
Place of publication Chichester
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Collection year 2006
Language eng
Subject C1
730114 Skeletal system and disorders (incl. arthritis)
320501 Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy
Abstract Purpose Evidence is growing that early use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and combinations of these drugs provide optimal care for people with rheumatoid arthirits. The aim of this study was to describe objectively the pattern of consumption of DMARDs in the Australian community (community-based prescribing, specialist and general practitioner) 1992-2004, and to compare this with prescribing patterns reported in other countries. Method Dispensing statistics from the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS-Australia's universal prescription subsidy scheme) were analysed and temporal trends evaluated. Drug consumption was calculated as the number of dispensed defined daily doses (DDD)/1000 inhabitants/day (WHO ATC/DDD classification 2005). Results The consumption of DMARDs in the Australian community increased steadily from 2.6 DDD/1000 inhabitants/ day in 1992 to 5.5 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day. Over the period 1992-2004, methotrexate (MTX) was the most commonly used DMARD (from 0.6 to 3.0 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day). Consumption of gold (parentcral and oral) and penicillamine declined during this time. The inclusion of leflunomide on the PBS in 2000 contributed to the increase in DMARD usage. Conclusion Use of DMARDs within the Australian community has increased in recent years, coinciding with the change in guidelines for therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to earlier use of DMARDs and the more common use of combinations. This study used DDD methodology to quantify trends for DMARD consumption and these trends are broadly consistent with international prescribing patterns assessed using different methodologies. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keyword Rheumatoid Arthritis
Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs
Defined Daily Dose
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Early Rheumatoid-arthritis
5-year Follow-up
2nd Line Therapy
Rheumatologists
Patterns
Trends
Prescription
Preferences
Management
Finland
Q-Index Code C1

 
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Created: Wed, 15 Aug 2007, 08:30:06 EST