Overall medicine burden for people on lipid-lowering therapy: Cross-sectional analysis of national pharmacy dispensing data.

Background and objectives: This paper describes the overall number of prescriptions and unique medicines dispensed and costs borne by a cohort of patients treated with lipid-lowering therapy and report on associations with age, concessional status and comorbidity.

Method: This was a 12-month cross-sectional study using the 10% random sample of the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) dispensing data for 2019.

Results: A high number of prescriptions and unique medicines dispensed was associated with older age, concessional status and comorbidity. Around one-quarter of patients aged 61-80 years were dispensed ≥57 prescriptions, ≥10 unique medicines and seven or more unique long-term medicines during the year. PBS status was the strongest predictor of cost borne, with one-quarter of general beneficiaries paying $760 or more.

Discussion: This cohort commonly has related comorbidities resulting in multiple prescribed medicines, frequent dispensing and out-of-pocket costs. General practitioners are likely aware of patients' overall health and circumstances and can assist with periodic medicine review and the use of combination or extended-release preparations when available. Improved knowledge of the PBS safety net would be beneficial. Recent changes to the PBS will effect some reduction in dispensing frequency and cost borne by patients, but these changes could be extended.