ABSTRACT
Title
Low Molecular Weight Heparins prescribing patterns in the Local Health Authority of Messina, Italy, during 2010
Authors
S. Coppolino1, C. Sgroi1
Pharmaceutical Department, Local Health Authority (ASP Messina), Italy
Pharmaceutical Department, Local Health Authority (ASP Messina), Italy
Abstract
Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) is a class of drugs used for prophylaxis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis. These compounds have excellent bioavailability, predictable dose responses and longer half-lives than unfractionated heparin, which allows subcutaneous, once-daily, unmonitored administration.
This retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the incidence of use of LMWHs, in order to assess prescribing patterns in the Local Health Authority of Messina, Italy, between January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010.
Data were collected from the database of prescriptions “Farmanalisi”, and includes all prescriptions reimbursed by the National Health System.
The annual use of LMWHs decreased from 340.03 units/1,000 inhabitants in 2009 to 323.30 units/1,000 inhabitants in 2010.
During the 2010 patients treated were 91,043 (33,422 males - 57,621 females) and 43,375 were over 75 years. In the same period the most prescribed LMWH was enoxaparin, followed by nadroparin and parnaparin with 117.29, 95.75 and 50.29 units/1,000 inhabitants respectively.
Like any expensive healthcare intervention, LMWHs must be used judiciously by General Practitioners. Data such we presented in this study shows that consumption of LMWH in the Local Health Authority of Messina is decreasing but is still higher than Sicily and Italy one. Presentation of drugs consumption is one of the activities of Pharmaceutical Department and, also, the basis for communication among healthcare providers, in order to improve appropriate prescribing policies.
This retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the incidence of use of LMWHs, in order to assess prescribing patterns in the Local Health Authority of Messina, Italy, between January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010.
Data were collected from the database of prescriptions “Farmanalisi”, and includes all prescriptions reimbursed by the National Health System.
The annual use of LMWHs decreased from 340.03 units/1,000 inhabitants in 2009 to 323.30 units/1,000 inhabitants in 2010.
During the 2010 patients treated were 91,043 (33,422 males - 57,621 females) and 43,375 were over 75 years. In the same period the most prescribed LMWH was enoxaparin, followed by nadroparin and parnaparin with 117.29, 95.75 and 50.29 units/1,000 inhabitants respectively.
Like any expensive healthcare intervention, LMWHs must be used judiciously by General Practitioners. Data such we presented in this study shows that consumption of LMWH in the Local Health Authority of Messina is decreasing but is still higher than Sicily and Italy one. Presentation of drugs consumption is one of the activities of Pharmaceutical Department and, also, the basis for communication among healthcare providers, in order to improve appropriate prescribing policies.