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Discontinuation of statins among patients with type 2 diabetes

E J F Lamberts1, G Nijpels, L M C Welschen

  • 1Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews
|September 8, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patients with type 2 diabetes often discontinue statins, a crucial cardiovascular disease prevention medication. Statin discontinuation is more common than oral anti-diabetic drug discontinuation, especially for those starting statins after their diabetes medication.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Statins are vital for preventing cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes patients.
  • Low statin adherence is a documented issue in this population.
  • Comparative data on statin versus oral anti-diabetic discontinuation is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine statin discontinuation rates in type 2 diabetes patients.
  • To compare statin discontinuation with oral anti-diabetic discontinuation.
  • To analyze discontinuation based on the timing of statin initiation relative to oral anti-diabetic drugs.

Main Methods:

  • An observational cohort study was conducted.
  • Patients initiating statins before or after oral anti-diabetics (1999-2007) were analyzed.
  • Discontinuation was defined as a 180-day gap between prescriptions.

Main Results:

  • Statin discontinuation rates (52.1%) were significantly higher than oral anti-diabetic discontinuation (15.0%).
  • Patients initiating statins after oral anti-diabetics had higher discontinuation rates (62.8%) than those starting statins prior (48.2%).

Conclusions:

  • Statin discontinuation is more prevalent than oral anti-diabetic discontinuation in type 2 diabetes.
  • Initiating statins after oral anti-diabetic treatment increases the likelihood of statin discontinuation.

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