Consumption of medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment per patient in children and adolescents in Slovenia from 2003 to 2012

Abstract

Background

According to the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment guidelines, atomoxetine (ATX) is a second line treatment after stimulants and therefore a serious monitoring of ATX prescribing is necessary to avoid inappropriate prescribing.

Objectives

In most countries in Central Europe, except Germany, there is no data on drug consumption for ADHD medicines (expressed in defined daily dose (DDD)/ADHD patient/year).

Aim

The main purposes of this study were: calculate and present the pattern and evolution of national consumption in Slovenia expressed in the percentage of DDD/patient/year consumption for the period 2003–2012.

Methods

The national consumption and population data for this period were obtained from Slovenian databases. A DDD/ADHD patient/year was calculated. Only immediate-release methylphenidate (IR-MPH), methylphenidate-osmotic release oral delivery system (OROS-MPH) and ATX have been available and included in this study.

Results

Less than 50% of patients with ADHD are treated with medications in Slovenia. A total consumption rose rapidly from 41.3 in 2003 to 148.5 DDD/ADHD patient/year in 2012. The total consumption for ATX and MPH is almost equal (140.9 for ATX and 150.3 for MPH in 2012). This result is lower as it has been seen in Germany (208 DDD/ADHD patient/year in 2008 for MPH).

Conclusions

In the last decade in Slovenia, the total consumption is increasing rapidly, which indicates a positive trend. This pattern (low total consumption) has not been seen in Germany. After the new drugs have been available on the Slovenian market, the total consumption rose rapidly.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.