Do patients initiate therapy? Primary non-adherence to statins and antidepressants in Iceland

• Published in: International journal of clinical practice (Esher) Vol. 69; no. 5; pp. 597 - 603
• Main Authors: Thengilsdóttir, G., Pottegård, A., Linnet, K., Halldórsson, M., Almarsdóttir, A. B., Gardarsdóttir, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2015; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antidepressants; Antidepressive Agents - administration & dosage; Compliance; Drug therapy; Female; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - administration & dosage; Iceland; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Patient Compliance; Prescription Drugs - supply & distribution; Primary Health Care; Statins; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1368-5031; 1742-1241
• DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12558

Summary Background Primary non‐adherence occurs when a drug has been prescribed but the patient fails to have it dispensed at the pharmacy. Aims To assess primary non‐adherence to statins and antidepressants in Iceland, the association of demographic factors with primary non‐adherence, and the time from when a prescription is issued until it is dispensed. Methods Data on patients receiving a new prescription for a statin or an antidepressant from the Primary Health Care database were linked with dispensing histories from The Icelandic Prescription Database. The proportion of patients who did not have their prescription dispensed within a year from issuing (primary non‐adherent) was assessed, as well as the time from issue until dispensing. Associations between demographic factors and primary non‐adherence were estimated using logistic regression. Results The overall primary non‐adherence was 6.3% and 8.0% for statins and antidepressants, respectively. The majority of patients had their prescription dispensed within 7 days (85% for statins, 87% for antidepressants). Being disabled and receiving a prescription for an expensive drug was associated with higher rates of primary non‐adherence. Conclusion The rate of primary non‐adherence to statins and antidepressants in Iceland is low. Vulnerable groups such as the disabled should be given special attention when new drugs are prescribed.