Utilisation pattern of angiotension II inhibitors within a South African managed care organisation

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2009-05-21T12:24:17Z

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Juggath, Ashti

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Abstract

Angiotensin II inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB s) are the most recent addition to the suite of antihypertensives. They are also one of the most expensive of the drug classes. Since the introduction of the first ARB on the market, the merits of ARB s have been investigated. The mechanism of action and indications are similar to ACE inhibitors thus comparisons have been done between the two classes to ascertain if there are any added benefits in using ARB s. This study was an analysis of out of hospital chronic medication claims from a managed care organisation in South Africa to view the utilisation pattern of ARB s and to establish if there were any indications for the choice of this specific drug class for the conditions hypertension and heart failure.. A managed care organisation aims to provide clinically appropriate and cost effective medication to its members. It is therefore important to investigate if there are any reasons for a more expensive drug to be used if there is a more cost effective alternative available. The medication claims for ARB s were investigated, in relation to ACE inhibitors to try and establish if there were any specific reasons for the use of ARB s. From the results obtained, it was evident that ACE inhibitors and ARB s were widely used within the managed care organisation and made up a high percentage of the amount spent on antihypertensive drugs. The gender utilisation patterns showed that more males used ACE inhibitors and ARB s for both hypertension and heart failure, although there were more females registered for these conditions within the organisation. The incidence of hypertension and heart failure was more prevalent in the over 45 year old age group and the use of these antihypertensive medications mirrored this. ARB s were the most expensive class of drugs used for hypertension and heart failure, and there was no reason found to support the specific use of these agents.

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Keywords

angiotensin II, chronic medication, managed health care, South Africa

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