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Trends over 5 years in cardiovascular medicine use in Australian veterans with diabetes.

Roughead EE, Pratt N, Gilbert AL

Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Sansom Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia. libby.roughead@unisa.edu.au

AIM: To determine trends over 5 years in cardiovascular medicine use in the Australian veteran population with diabetes. METHODS: An observational study. All veterans dispensed medicines indicative of diabetes between 2000 and 2005 were identified from the Veterans Affairs pharmacy claims dataset. Concurrent dispensings of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), lipid-lowering medicines and antiplatelets were assessed. RESULTS: ACEI/angiotensin II receptor blocker use has risen from 46% to 67% in the veteran population dispensed medicines indicative of diabetes. Lipid-lowering medicines have increased from 33% to 58% and antiplatelets from 28% to 50%. CONCLUSION: The increasing use of cardiovascular medicines in the diabetes population is suggestive of improved treatment practices over time, consistent with guidelines and quality use of medicines initiatives.

Published 19 June 2007 in Br J Clin Pharmacol, 64(1): 100-4.
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