engleski

Cardiovascular drugs utilization in Croatia during a four-year period

The aim of this work was to identify and present changes in the utilization of CV drugs in Croatia during the period 2000-2004 and discuss the underlying reasons. Information data on CV drugs utilization fix the period 2001-2004 were obtained from the Croatian National Health Insurance. Drug utilization data are presented in defined daily doses/1000 inhabitants/day (DDD/1000). Comparing 2004 vs. 2001, total CV drugs utilization increased 49.53% from 176.80 to 264.37 DDD/1000. The statins had the highest share rise from 5.88% to 10.90%. Drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system had the largest share (32%). The utilization of angiotensin II antagonists and the combination of ACE inhibitors and diuretics increased from 1.12 to 6.96 and from 10.07 to 26.85 DDD/1000, respectively. The utilization of the new calcium channel blockers (CCB) increased 1.27 times and the old CCB decreased 18%. The utilization of most CV drugs in Croatia increased during this relatively short study period and we presume that the main reason is a legal change (the new Insurance Act) with the introduction of supplementary health insurance.

cardiovascular drugs; drug utilization; health insurance

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