Statins utilization and price variations-comparison between Ukraine and Bulgaria

Abstract

Introduction: High prevalence rate of CVD and high rate of CVD deaths attributed to high cholesterol leads to increased statins utilization. The aim of this study is to analyse the difference in prices between generic and innovator and utilization of INNs of statins available in Bulgaria and Ukraine. Materials and methods: The study is retrospective and observational analysis of changes in prices. On total, 7 INN and 18 dosage forms are included in the study. Utilization of statins has been measured in DDD/1000 inh/d. Results: The results reveal considerable price differences in the prevailing part of the observed dosage forms between 2013 and 2016 and higher price variations. Two of the lowest and three of the highest prices have not been changed in Bulgaria. For the same period in Ukraine ten lowest and five highest prices have decreased, while one lowest and six highest have increased. Statins utilization is much higher in Bulgaria than that in Ukraine. Conclusions: Prices of statins tend to decrease in Bulgaria more than in Ukraine. In both countries there is a slight tendency of reduced utilization, whereas the consumption of statins in Bulgaria is much higher than that in Ukraine. The study confirms that medicine utilization depends on prices and the health policy in the countries.