Evaluation of Statin Prescribing Guidelines, Practices, Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacoeconomic Study of Chronic Statin Therapy

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is a medical health condition, defined as increased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or a combination of such abnormalities. Statins are the most commonly used drugs in the present scenario in cardiovascular diseases for dyslipidemia condition. However, recent studies have shown a wide range of interventions regarding its use in patients receiving statin therapy. This study aims to evaluate various parameters that contribute in the choice of statin therapy which includes the prescribing habits of statins in accordance with the guidelines, safety, efficacy; prevalence of adverse drug reaction associated with statins and cost effectiveness analysis of statin tablets of different brands which are varying in their price. A hospital-based prospective study was conducted in Cardiology Department of Aster Prime Hospital, Hyderabad. A total of 170 cases were collected in case collection forms. Data in relation to age, gender, investigations done to obtain final diagnosis, and type of statin therapy opted based on the diagnosis made were collected. The results of the study are validated statistically using SPSS software which incorporates mean, standard deviation method, t test, and Chi-square test. Results obtained illustrate that Rosuvastatin was associated with less adverse effects and is considered to be more cost saving, safe, and efficacious when compared with Atorvastatin. It is crucial to find an effective and an equally safe treatment of statins to reduce the further risk of comorbidities associated with hyperlipidemia.