Current Issues in Pharmacoeconomics 2 ______________________________________________ ___

Antihypertensive noncompliance increases hea1thcare expenditure

Antihypertensive drugs that result in a high degree of noncompliance increase overall healthcare expenditure, state researchers from Wake Forest University in North Carolina, US.

Noncompliance with antihypertensive drug therapy is a well-known problem that may lead to a greater risk of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the link between noncompliance and increased health expenditure is evident. Antihypertensive drugs that are well tolerated result in better compliance and, therefore, minimise healthcare expenditure. Also, drugs with long intrinsic half-lives, such as amIodipine and chlorthalidone, provide maximum therapeutic coverage even when medication doses are missed.

The study authors recommend gradual normalisation of BP. In particular, antihypertensive drugs should be titrated every 4-8 weeks rather than more frequently to avoid excessive drug use, except in patients with severe BP elevation. Flack 1M, Novikov sv, Ferrario eM. Benefits of adherence to anti­hypertensive drug therapy. European Hean Journal 17 (Suppl. A): 16-20, Mar 1996 800444'66