Marked increase in proton pump inhibitors use in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the trends in the prescribing of subsidized proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine receptor antagonists (H2RAs), in the Australian population from 1995 to 2006 to encourage discussion regarding appropriate clinical use. PPIs and H2RAs are the second highest drug cost to the publicly subsidized Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).


METHODS
Government data on numbers of subsidized scripts, quantity and doses for PPIs and H2RAs were analysed by gender and age, dose and indication.


METHODS
Drug utilisation as DDD [defined daily dose]/1000 population/day.


RESULTS
The use of combined PPIs increased by 1318%. Utilisation increased substantially after the relaxation of the subsidized indications for PPIs in 2001. Omeprazole had the largest market share but was substituted by its S-enantiomer esomeprazole after its introduction in 2002. There was considerable use in the elderly with the peak use being in those aged 80 years and over. The utilisation of H2RAs declined 72% over 12 years.


CONCLUSIONS
PPI use has increased substantially, not only due to substitution of H2RAs but to expansion in the overall market. Utilisation does not appear to be commensurate with prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) nor with prescribing guidelines for PPIs, with significant financial costs to patients and PBS. This study encourages clinical discussion regarding quality use of these medicines.
Hollingworth
Samantha
S
The University of Queensland, School of Population Health, Herston Road, Herston, Australia. s.hollingworth@uq.edu.au
Duncan
Emma L
EL
Martin
Jennifer H
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016527:Drug Costs; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006356:Heartburn / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000191:economics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010602:Pharmacopoeias as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000191:economics; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000191:economics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors