[Consumption of allergy medicines in 2000 and 2001: data from 12 Primary Medical Insurance Offices (CPAM) in the Rhône-Alpes region].
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of the annual consumption of different classes of antiallergy medicines in the Rhône-Alpes region and as a function of the pollen calendar.


METHODS
Exhaustive review, over all the beneficiaries of the general system of social security aged from 6 to 65 years, of the number of weekly supplies: non-cholinergic oral antihistamines (antiH1), anti-allergy nasal sprays, anti-allergy eye lotions, delayed release injectable orticosteroids. In the twelve Primary Offices of Medical Assurance of the Rhône-Alpes region for the years 2000 and 2001. The results are expressed as the number of units (boxes)/100 beneficiaries.


RESULTS
The principal reports are: Consumptions vary in a parallel way between the different regions with a south > north and plain > mountain gradient between the different therapeutic classes (per os > local administration); a fluctuation closely linked to the presence of allergizing pollens: ragweed is responsible for high consumption in all the departments except the two Savoie. The observed peak of pollinization of birch in 2001 was associated with a peak of deliveries. These data confirm the value of data of medicines consumption both economically and medically.
Christophe
B
B
Pavillon 5F, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud-69310 Pierre-Bénite.
Clouet
F
F
Gillet
A
A
Harf
R
R
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005602:France; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions