A survey of the treatment of female patients with osteoporosis using drug utilization consumption parameters

Objective: To investigate the drug treatment of female patients who were diagnosed with osteoporosis in South Africa using drug utilization consumption parameters. Method: Prescription data over a 2-year period for 1655 female patients with osteoporosis were analysed retrospectively. Results: A total of 157245 products at a cost of R15004643.51 was prescribed. Two-thirds of the patients fell in the age group between 50 and 69 years. A quarter (25.33%) of the products prescribed were identified as products specifically for the treatment and/or prevention of osteoporosis. Calcium supplements were the most frequently prescribed therapeutic subgroup, followed by hormone replacement therapy. The most frequently prescribed product was an effervescent calcium supplement containing 500 mg elemental calcium. Alendronate 10 mg tablets accounted for the highest cost (23.57% of the total cost of products for osteoporosis), but accounted for only 7.36% of the number of products prescribed for osteoporosis. Prescribing differences were observed for patients younger than 50 years, and patients 50 years and older. The DU90% and DC90% segments consisted of 27 and 24 different trade name products, respectively. Conclusion: Further studies focusing on the cost of osteoporosis treatment and prevention should be conducted incorporating clinical information.