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Acyclovir use and its surveillance in a general population.
R E Johnson1, J P Mullooly, B G Valanis
1Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, OR.
DICP : the Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|June 1, 1990
Summary
This study analyzed acyclovir use in a health maintenance organization (HMO), finding most prescriptions were oral and for genital herpes treatment. Hospitalizations were unrelated to acyclovir use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acyclovir is a key antiviral medication.
- Understanding its usage patterns is crucial for public health.
- Adverse effect monitoring systems are vital for drug safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent and patterns of acyclovir utilization within a health maintenance organization (HMO).
- To describe the development and implementation of a system for monitoring acyclovir users for acute adverse effects.
- To analyze acyclovir prescription data for demographic and treatment indications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of prescription data from an automated outpatient system (1986-1987).
- Identification of acyclovir users from Kaiser Permanente (KP) Northwest Region.
- Cross-referencing with hospital discharge data to identify hospitalizations.
Main Results:
- 2940 users received 6182 acyclovir prescriptions over two years.
- Oral acyclovir accounted for 47% of users and 56% of prescriptions.
- Primary indication was genital herpes treatment, predominantly in females aged 15-45.
- Estimated incidence density of oral acyclovir use was 2.3/1000 KP members.
- Hospitalizations were not linked to acyclovir use.
Conclusions:
- Acyclovir is widely prescribed, particularly oral formulations for genital herpes.
- The established monitoring system can track acyclovir use and potential adverse events.
- Further research could explore long-term acyclovir efficacy and safety profiles.