Pharmacoepidemiological analysis of antiplatelet drug consumption in outpatient practice

Abstract

Background

Acute coronary syndrome remains a leading cause of mortality, making antiplatelet therapy crucial for the treatment and secondary prevention of this condition.

Purpose

We aimed to analyze consumption of antiplatelet drugs in the outpatient segment of the pharmaceutical market in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2018 and 2023.

Research Design

We conducted a descriptive study based on sales data for antiplatelet drugs from two major suppliers.

Data Collection and Analysis

Consumption was calculated in milligrams and defined daily doses. To assess therapy coverage, we calculated standard course doses for dual antiplatelet therapy and monotherapy based on clinical guidelines.

Results

During the study period, we identified a significant increase in the consumption of all antiplatelet drugs. Acetylsalicylic acid consumption doubled. Among P2Y₁₂-receptor inhibitors, clopidogrel showed the highest absolute increase (2.5 times), while ticagrelor (3.2 times) and prasugrel (4 times) showed the highest relative growth rates. The estimated number of patients who could have been treated with the sold volumes of antiplatelet drugs in 2018 was 15.4 times, and in 2023 was 35.2 times higher than the official number of registered ACS patients.

Conclusions

We observe a significant increase in outpatient antiplatelet drug consumption, reflecting current trends toward expanding indications and increasing therapy duration.