Drug use evaluation of statins at Siriraj Hospital, 2008.

UNLABELLED: Statins are commonly used for lipid reduction. There is no significant difference in the efficiency of each type of statins. The study of statins' efficacy shows that only generic simvastatin is cost-effective in coronary heart disease prevention.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the use and appropriateness of usage of statins in out-patients attending Siriraj Hospital in 2008.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical records of all patients in Siriraj Hospital who received statins from January 1st to December 31st, 2008 were reviewed. The appropriateness of statins used was analyzed in 247 medical records based on number of risks and 10-year risk.

RESULTS

There were 105,950 patients who received statins with total value of 308 million baht in 2008. The major usages of statins were simvastatin (65%), atorvastatin (12%) and rosuvastatin (6%). However, the costs of statins were 9%, 42%, and 20% for simvastatin, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, respectively. Analysis of 247 medical records of the patients who received statins showed that statins were appropriately used in 19.4% of cases. Inappropriate use of statins was due to not starting drugs treatment with simvastatin, or shifting from simvastatin to other statins inappropriately.

CONCLUSION

Inappropriate use of statins at Siriraj Hospital is very common. Interventions for promoting more appropriate use of statins should be implemented.