Statin prescribing among hypertensive patients in southwest Nigeria: findings and implications for the future.
Statins reduce cardiovascular risk, especially in patients with hypertension due to their concomitant blood pressure reducing effects. Prescribing generic statins minimizes cost and improves access.



Ascertain current prescribing of statins in Nigeria and potential savings from the increased use of generic statins.



Prospective study involving hypertensive patients attending University College Hospital (Ibadan, Nigeria).



In total, 228 hypertensive patients received statins. Atorvastatin was the most prescribed statin, followed by simvastatin, rosuvastatin and finally fluvastatin. Prescribed doses were less than one defined daily dose in the majority, with high use of originators. Average monthly potential savings from increased prescribing of generic statins was US$2635 for atorvastatin and US$10,578 for rosuvastatin.



A shift toward increased prescribing generic statins is recommended to minimize costs.
Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Onyinye Onyeka
OO
Akunne
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.|Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
Brian
B
Godman
Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Aduragbenro Deborah
AD
Adedapo
Drug Utilization Research Unit (DURU), Department of Pharmacy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
Ilse
I
Truter
Department of Pharmacology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Joseph
J
Fadare
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009549:Nigeria; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011758:Pyrroles; D012307:Risk Factors
D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles
Nigeria; costs; generics; hypertension; statins