Trends in the Utilization of Lipid-Lowering Medications in Australia: An Analysis of National Pharmacy Claims Data

Did Australia's COVID-19 Restrictions Impact Statin Incidence, Prevalence or Adherence?

“…This study was conducted using established methodology for investigating the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on medication utilization. 8 This study's 10% sample of all national dispensing data provides strong representation of the Australian population and medication use. 8 The use of two years of previous data allowed for a more accurate projection of dispensing trends prior to 2020.…”

“…This number was then divided by 10% of the total Australian adult population aged 18 to 99 in each jurisdiction who did not use statin. 8 Annual prevalence was defined as adults with one or more statin dispensings in the calendar year divided by 10% of the total adult population aged 18 to 99 per jurisdiction in that year. 8 Results were reported as number of users per 1000 people of the relevant population.…”

“… 8 Annual prevalence was defined as adults with one or more statin dispensings in the calendar year divided by 10% of the total adult population aged 18 to 99 per jurisdiction in that year. 8 Results were reported as number of users per 1000 people of the relevant population. The total Australian population was sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.…”

“…HMG Co-A reductase inhibitor (statin) dispensing may represent a surrogate marker of engagement with cardiovascular health. 8 Statins are widely prescribed for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. 8 Strategies to maintain and enhance statin adherence and persistence are important because statins have morbidity and mortality benefits across a range of cardiovascular indications.…”

“… 8 Statins are widely prescribed for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. 8 Strategies to maintain and enhance statin adherence and persistence are important because statins have morbidity and mortality benefits across a range of cardiovascular indications. 9 Understanding the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on statin incidence, prevalence or adherence is important for informing clinical and policy decisions.…”