Sulfonylurea Prescribing Patterns After the Introduction of DPP-4 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Although newer agents (dipeptidyl peptidase [DPP]-4 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide [GLP]-1 receptor agonists) are available for the treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the impact of the availability of these agents on the use of second-generation sulfonylureas (SUs) is unknown. This article presents percentages of patients prescribed SUs, using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS). The associations between SU prescribing and prespecified variables of interest were also explored.

The NAMCS database was queried for visits of patients aged ≥18 years with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnostic code relevant to T2DM. χ(2) tests were conducted to assess the associations between SU use and year-group (2003-2004, 2007-2008, or 2009-2010) and other variables of interest. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to jointly assess the value of these variables in predicting SU use. All analyses were weighted using procedures recommended by the National Center for Health Statistics.

Data from 7042 eligible visits were included, representing an extrapolated national estimate of 280,733,405 patient visits. The percentages of patients who received a prescription for an SU, by study year, were 25.7%, 23.4%, and 23.7% in 2003 to 2004, 2007 to 2008, and 2009 to 2010, respectively (P = 0.57). In the multivariate model, age ≥70 years, male sex, nonwhite race, primary care physician seen, and concurrent DPP-4 inhibitor use were significantly associated with SU use.

No significant decrease in the use of SUs was observed after the introduction of DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, patient-specific factors (eg, select demographic variables, site of care, and concurrent medication use) were associated with SU use.