Trends over 5 years in cardiovascular medicine use in Australian veterans with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine trends over 5 years in cardiovascular medicine use in the Australian veteran population with diabetes.


METHODS
An observational study. All veterans dispensed medicines indicative of diabetes between 2000 and 2005 were identified from the Veterans Affairs pharmacy claims dataset. Concurrent dispensings of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), lipid-lowering medicines and antiplatelets were assessed.


RESULTS
ACEI/angiotensin II receptor blocker use has risen from 46% to 67% in the veteran population dispensed medicines indicative of diabetes. Lipid-lowering medicines have increased from 33% to 58% and antiplatelets from 28% to 50%.


CONCLUSIONS
The increasing use of cardiovascular medicines in the diabetes population is suggestive of improved treatment practices over time, consistent with guidelines and quality use of medicines initiatives.
Roughead
Elizabeth E
EE
Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Sansom Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia. libby.roughead@unisa.edu.au
Pratt
Nicole
N
Gilbert
Andrew L
AL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors