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Geographical variability in dabigatran dosing within New Zealand.
Liam T Berryman1, Paul K L Chin1,2, Lorna J Pairman1
1Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Internal Medicine Journal
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Dabigatran etexilate use varied across New Zealand health districts, with Canterbury showing significantly higher 75 mg capsule use. These differences may stem from local guidelines and clinical pharmacology services.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Dabigatran etexilate is an oral anticoagulant prescribed to prevent stroke and systemic embolism.
- High drug exposure to dabigatran etexilate is associated with an increased risk of bleeding.
- The medication is available in 75 mg, 110 mg, and 150 mg capsule strengths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the dispensing patterns of dabigatran etexilate between New Zealand health districts.
- To identify variations in the use of specific dabigatran etexilate strengths across different regions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of New Zealand dispensing data from 2019 to 2023.
- Comparison of dabigatran etexilate usage rates per 10,000 people across various health districts.
- Focus on identifying regional differences in the utilization of the 75 mg capsule strength.
Main Results:
- Overall dabigatran etexilate use was comparable across most New Zealand health districts.
- Canterbury district exhibited notably higher utilization of the 75 mg capsule strength (22.2 per 10,000 people) compared to other districts (1.6-7.6 per 10,000 people).
Conclusions:
- Regional variations in dabigatran etexilate prescribing, particularly the 75 mg strength, exist within New Zealand.
- These prescribing differences are potentially linked to local clinical guidelines, therapeutic drug monitoring practices, and the availability of clinical pharmacology services.
- Further research is needed to determine if these dispensing variations impact patient outcomes.
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