Trends in drug treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Japan based on the National Database Open Data

Abstract

Objective

This study examined prescription trends for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) drug therapy in Japan over the past decade, focusing on drugs rated as grade A according to Japanese clinical guidelines.

Methods

Using the National Database Open Data, this study analyzed prescription data from the fiscal years of 2014 to 2021, tracking α1-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. We adjusted for demographics and calculated medication costs to determine prescribing patterns and changes in drug utilization.

Results

Prescriptions for α1-blockers increased from 9898 per 1000 males in 2014 to 12 613 in 2021. Prescriptions for 5α-reductase inhibitors rose from 1441 per 1000 males in 2014 to 2310 in 2021. Tadalafil prescriptions saw a significant increase, from 900 in 2015 to 2520 in 2021. Despite these increases, the overall market size for BPH drugs decreased from 664 million dollars in 2014 to 279 million dollars in 2021, indicating a shift toward generic medications driven by healthcare policies.

Conclusions

Although BPH medication prescriptions are increasing, driven by Japan's aging population and clinical guidelines, market dynamics are shifting owing to generic and government price adjustments. This analysis underscores the changing BPH treatment landscape in Japan, highlighting the importance of continuous evaluation of treatment efficacy and cost-effectiveness in evolving healthcare policies and demographics.