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Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Long term persistence with statin therapy -- experience in Australia 2006-2010
Leon A Simons1, Michael Ortiz, Gordon Calcino
1University of New South Wales, St Vincent's Hospital, New South Wales. l.simons@unsw.edu.au
Australian Family Physician
|May 21, 2011
Summary
Statin drug persistence remains low in Australia, with 43% discontinuing within six months. Early intervention strategies are needed to improve long-term adherence and disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Background:
- Long-term statin drug persistence is a known issue, with limited recent Australian data.
- This study investigated current statin persistence rates across Australia for new statin prescriptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current persistence rates of statin therapy in Australia.
- To identify factors influencing statin persistence, particularly in newly prescribed patients.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) claims data from April 2005 to March 2010.
- Key outcome measures included the proportion of patients missing their first repeat prescription at 1 month and median persistence time.
Main Results:
- Of 77,867 patients initiated on statins, 43% discontinued within 6 months.
- Median persistence time was 11 months; 23% failed to collect their first repeat prescription at 1 month.
- Persistence varied by age, with median times of 19 months for 65-74 year olds versus 3-6 months for those under 55.
Conclusions:
- Statin therapy persistence in Australia remains unsatisfactory and has shown little improvement over the past decade.
- Early intervention within 3-4 weeks of statin initiation may improve persistence.
- Improving statin adherence is crucial to prevent disease and optimize resource utilization.
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