Title : Prescription Trends and Healthcare Expenditure of beta-blockers in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in Australia in the last five years
Abstract:
Introduction
Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and in Australia, and places significant burden on healthcare costs. Beta-Blockers are guideline therapy in HFrEF but it is unclear how this evidence has been incorporated into patient care across the spectrum of beta-blocker prescribers. As new heart failure therapies become more incorporated into guidelines it is unclear what effect this may have on prescription trends of beta blockers
Purpose
We sought to describe the prescribing trends and healthcare costs of beta-blocker therapy in HFrEF patients in Australia over the last five years using real world prescribing data.
Method:
The latest statistical data collected by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), Australia was reviewed. PBS codes for beta blockers carvedilol, nebivolol, Metoprolol XR and Bisoprolol were selected due to their sole PBS indication being in HFrEF. Yearly total prescriptions and cost were then compared between all four beta-blockers. Linear trend modelling was used to observe general trends over the data collection period.
Results:
Total yearly beta-blocker prescriptions for HFrEF have increased 39% in 5 years with over 2.4 million prescriptions made in 2021. Total yearly beta-blocker cost has increased 27% in 5 years and Australia now spends over $55 million on beta-blockers for heart failure therapy every year. Whilst Australia spends in total the most money on Bisoprolol each year ($24,748,305 AUD in 2021), this is mainly due to its vastly more prevalent prescription, and it is in fact the cheapest bet-blocker per prescription made on average ($15.97 AUD per script). In contrast, Nebivolol represents a disproportionate amount of healthcare expenditure in Australia. Whilst only representing 19% of total prescriptions nebivolol accounts for 34% of total spending and remains the dearest beta-blocker per script at $40.92 AUD in 2021.
Conclusion:
Bisoprolol is the cheapest and most prescribed bet-blocker in Australia for HFrEF. Nebivolol represents a disproportionate amount of spending whilst representing a small proportion of total prescriptions. Overall beta-blocker prescriptions continue to rise and over $55 million Australian dollars each year are spent on beta blocker therapy for heart failure patients in Australia
What will audience learn from your presentation?
- Changes in prescription trends of beta blockers in HFrEF in Australia
- Cost burden and efficacy of beta blockers in HFrEF in Australia
- Make more informed decision about cost effectiveness of beta blocker therapy in HFrEF.
