Original scientific paper
A Study on Utilization of Oral Contraceptives in the City of Zagreb (2008-2010)
Ana Zelić
; General Practice Office »Dr. Vesna Plešić«, Zagreb, Croatia
Danijela Štimac
; Dr. Andrija Štampar” Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Ožić
; Dr. Andrija Štampar” Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Krešimir Živković
; University of Zagreb, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Nikica Živković
; Šibenik-Knin County General Hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Šibenik, Croatia
Abstract
Main aim of this study is to quantify and analyze the utilization and utilization trends of oral hormonal contraceptives in the City of Zagreb, 2008-2010, and to propose potential interventions, if necessary. Data gathered from Zagreb pharmacies were assessed by Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification of drugs and Daily Defined Dose methodology. An alarming decrease in total utilization of hormonal contraceptives by 76% from 2008-2009 was found as the main result of this study. A major decrease by 95.5% in utilization of G03AB04 subgroup, sequential combined oral contraceptives, was noted in the year 2009. The subgroup G03AC0, progesterone-only pill group, showed a stable trend, and it became the most utilized subgroup in 2010, due to the decrease in utilization of both fixed and sequential combined oral contraceptives. Utilization of oral contraceptives in Croatia is not regulated adequately, since such dynamics in utilization can occur unnoticed. Measures need to take place in order to improve this situation. Proposed measures include organized farmacovigilance, prescription based on guidelines, and strict screening for risk factors in women seeking oral contraception. More research is required in Croatia to understand the pattern of utilization of hormonal contraceptives and to find the true cause of decrease in utilization of oral contraceptives.
Keywords
oral contraceptives; safety; drug; pharmaceutical epidemiology; drug utilizations; ATC/DDD methodology; public health
Hrčak ID:
127566
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2014.
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