Temporal Trend in Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors Sales in Brazilian Drugstores

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Drug Utilization Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs) are widely used anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Understanding regional sales trends is crucial for public health and pharmaceutical policy.
• Previous regulatory measures in Brazil may have impacted coxib consumption patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the sales trends of coxibs in Brazil from 2014 to 2021.
• To identify regional variations in coxib consumption.
• To evaluate the impact of regulations on coxib sales.

Main Methods:

• Time trend analysis of coxib sales data from the Brazilian National Controlled Products Management System (2014-2021).
• Sales measured in Defined Daily Doses (DDD) and DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID).
• Segmented regression analysis and Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) calculation.

Main Results:

• Overall coxib sales in Brazil demonstrated an upward trend from 2014 to 2021.
• Celecoxib and etoricoxib sales increased, with notable regional variations.
• Northern Brazil showed the lowest but increasing coxib consumption.

Conclusions:

• Coxib sales in Brazil significantly increased between 2014 and 2021.
• Celecoxib was the predominant coxib, with regional sales shifts observed for both celecoxib and etoricoxib.
• Prescription retention requirements implemented prior to this period may not have effectively reduced coxib consumption.