Utilization of Antilipidemic Drugs in Lithuania. Data from 2005 to 2012 Years Period

Abstract

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A substantial body of clinical research supports lipid-lowering therapies as the primary therapeutic modality for reducing the risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Objectives: To evaluate the use of lipid-lowering drugs or dietary supplements in pharmacy practice. Material and methods: Utilization of lipid-lowering drugs in Lithuanian over a 8-year period (2005–2012) were calculated by defined daily dose (DDD) methodology and expressed in DDDs per 1000 inhabitants per day units. The use of lipid-lowering drugs or dietary supplements in pharmacy practice was evaluated by the questionnaire. Results: The total statins drugs consumption increased by 330.16% in a 8-year period (2005–2012): from 3.873 DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day to 12.787 DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day. Comparing with Norway (101.5 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2009), with Denmark (97.3 DDD/ 1000 inhabitants/day in 2009) or with Finland (87.9 DDD/1000 inhabitants/ day in 2009), statins consumption in Lithuania (12.78 DDD/ 1000 inhabitants/day) in 2012 was lower about seven times, respectively. Three hundred and fifty-eight patients, with mean age of 65.5 years, completed questionnaire in pharmacy. The use of lipid-lowering drugs reduced total cholesterol level significantly, from baseline 8.36 1.35 to 5.10 0.99 mM, (P = 0.01), but only 38 patients (10.6%) achieved target level of TC < 4.5 mM. The LDL level also decreased significantly from 4.65 0.69 to 2.93 0.55 mM (P = 0.011), but only 6 patients (1.67%) have checked their LDL level during the drugs use. Target TC level was related to long and regular statin use – rs = 0.423; (P = 0.08) and selection of right dosage according to cholesterol level – rs = 0.423; (P = 0.08). Higher TC level is a result of a short and irregular drug usage – rs = 0.265; (P < 0.01) and the use of dietary supplements instead of drugs for the ch [...].