National Trends in Statin Use in Lithuania from 2010 to 2021

Abstract

Objective: In Lithuania, no comprehensive national research on statin utilization and trends has yet been undertaken. Nonetheless, this knowledge is critical for the healthcare system to identify key areas for development. We aimed to analyze trends in statin utilization in Lithuania from the past 12 years considering changes in reimbursement policies and the publication of updated international CVD prevention guidelines. Methods: We performed a retrospective, descriptive study of statin utilization in Lithuania from 2010 to 2021. The data were obtained from PharmaZOOM LT, an independent software supplier with nationwide coverage on pharmaceutical market data. The data coverage was 95%. We used anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification for data extraction and calculated defined daily doses (DDDs) according to the ATC/DDD Toolkit of World Health Organization according to statin dose in a pill. Results: Statin use increased overall from 8.28 DDD/TID in 2010 to 96.06 DDD/TID in 2021. The annual growth rate in sales of statin DDD/TID was 22.28%. The increase was mostly due to the increase in moderate- and high-intensity statins. The increases coincided with changes in reimbursement policy or the publication of international guidelines. Polypill use in Lithuania began steadily increasing after 2016 and reached 19.37% of the total DDD/TID of statins in 2021. Conclusions: The use of statins has increased dramatically in Lithuania over the last decade. Changes in statin reimbursement regulations in the country, as well as worldwide cardiovascular preventive recommendations aiming at lower LDL-C objectives, fueled the progress.