title: Factors associated with utilization of dipeptidyl-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional retrospective study.
abstract: Dipeptidyl-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are oral antidiabetic agents recently introduced to Malaysia. Thus, limited data is available on their utilization patterns and factors associated with their use. This study aims to analyse the utilization patterns of DPP-4 inhibitors, factors that influenced the choice of agent, and the rationale for treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This retrospective study was conducted to address the utilization pattern of DPP-4 inhibitors and factors that influence choice in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. 299 subjects taking either sitagliptin or vildagliptin from September 2008 to September 2012 were included in the study. Sitagliptin was more frequently prescribed than vildagliptin. Of the patients prescribed DPP-4 inhibitors, 95% received combinations of these and other agents, whereas only 5% were prescribed DPP-4 inhibitors as monotherapy. Factors affecting the utilization of DPP-4 inhibitors included age (P = 0.049) and concomitant use of beta blockers (P = 0.045) and aspirin (P = 0.008). Early identification of factors associated with DPP-4 inhibitors is essential to enhance quality use of the drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ; Clinical Investigation Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya Medical Centre, 13th Floor Main Tower, 59100 Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Hasniza
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zaman Huri
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: NorFarahen
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Selamat
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Shireene Ratna
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Vethakkan