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Use of antituberculosis drugs in Spain 1996
A Blázquez Pérez1, R M Mateos Campos
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Salamanca, Campo Charro s/n 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
Purpose:
To determine and analyse the consumption of antituberculosis agents in Spain.
Methods:
Pharmacoepidemiological study on the use of antituberculosis agents during 1996 using data from prescriptions redeemed by the National Health Service.
Results:
During 1996, 5 533 233 defined daily doses (DDD) were consumed. Of these, 2 215 890 DDDs belonged to a combination commercialized as Rifinah (Rifampicin+Isoniazid). The use of daily doses per inhabitant in Spain was 0.37. Regarding the percentage of use, this reflects a use of 40.05% of the Rifinah combination, followed by Rifampicin, 17.59%. Regarding estimation of tuberculosis, the findings of the study revealed 11,202 cases, implying a prevalence of 27.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The total cost of this group of drugs was 863 275 147 Pts (0.1% of the total amount met by the NHS). Expenditure in Pts per 1000 inhabitants was 21 326. Of total costs, 40.26% was from Rifinah. Isoniazid was the drug with the lowest cost, 0.17%.
Conclusions:
The most prescribed drug in Spain was the Rifampicin+Isoniazid combination. However, differences exist in the different regions of the country and these should receive further study. The estimated prevalence of tuberculosis is higher than that expected for a developed country such as Spain.