Prescribing patterns of oral antiplatelets in Wales: evolving trends from 2005 to 2016

Antiplatelets have been used for decades to prevent atherothrombotic disease, but there is limited 'real-life' prescribing data. We hereby report the prescribing patterns for oral antiplatelets in Wales, UK.

Retrospective analysis of anonymized data in Wales from 2005 to 2016 revealed differences in prescribing patterns of oral antiplatelets. Aspirin and dipyridamole use declined with a corresponding increase in clopidogrel prescription. Costs declined with a sharp decrease coinciding with clopidogrel coming off patent. Prasugrel and ticagrelor have shown significant cost contribution (29% of total) despite only forming 1% of total items prescribed in 2016.

This first-look analysis of real-life antiplatelet data demonstrates a decrease in the overall prescribing costs with varying patterns. This may aid policy-makers in reviewing funding strategies.