Prescrizione dei farmaci per la terapia dell’osteoporosi nella ASL di Bergamo: anni 2006, 2007 e 2008 = Prescription of anti-osteoporosis drugs during 2006-2008 in an Italian local health unit

Objective: To analyze the pharmacoepidemiology and the prescription rate of anti-osteoporosis drugs (AOD) in the Local Health Unit of Bergamo (Northern Italy) during 2006-2008. Design and setting: An observational, retrospective study was conducted. Data on prescriptions of AOD, reimbursed under "Nota 79" criteria, were retrieved from the Local Pharmaceutical Service, an administrative database that covers the total population of the Local Health Unit (LHA) of Bergamo. Key measurements were 1-year prevalence of AOD, incidence rate, total consumption, changes in therapy, and costs. Results: Among this population, the prevalence of AOD prescription was 0.66% in 2006 and increased to 1.04% in 2008. The use of alendronate with cholecalciferol, ibandronate, strontium ranelate, and teriparatide increased from 2006 to 2008, while the use of other drugs decreased. The incidence rate of overall AOD use decreased from 2007 to 2008. The proportions of therapeutic changes were low in the whole period. The annual cost of this population antiosteoporotic treatment to the National Health System increased from €1,918,506 in 2006 to €2,933,638 in 2008. Conclusion: There was an increasing prevalence and a decreasing incidence of AOD use over this period, with a 53% increase of pharmaceutical costs. The cost-effectiveness of these resource consumption should be evaluated by prospective studies.