A large number of people all over the world suffer from skin conditions. Dermatological problems comprise about 10 % of a general practitioner's caseload and probably more for pharmacists. The literature furthermore emphasises that skin diseases are becoming a significant problem in the developing world. There is a need to establish an effective method to achieve good health and quality of life for patients with dermatological problems. The general objective of this study was to investigate the usage patterns and cost of dermatological products in the private health care sector of South Africa by using a medicine claims database. The focus was specifically on dermatological products with a prevalence of more than 10 % in the database. A quantitative retrospective drug utilisation research design was used to evaluate the usage patterns and costs of dermatological products in three four-monthly intervals of 2001 and 2004. Data were analysed by using the Statistical Analysis System, 9.1 (SAS). The dermatological product groups for this study were antibacterial and antifungal drugs, corticosteroids and anti-acne products and were analysed according to the MIMS classification. Of all analysed prescriptions issued only 8.57 % (n = 126 447) during 2001 (N = 1 475 380) and 6.82 % (n = 177 122) during 2004 (N = 2 595 254) consisted of dermatological products. Of the total number of products prescribed, the dermatological products constituted 4.77 %I (n = 140 701) for 2001 (N = 2 95 1 326) and 3.77 % (n = 199 976) for 2004 (N = 5 305 882). The total cost of the dermatological products was 4.98 % (n = R18 913 889.92) of the total cost of all medicine products during 200 1 (N = R379 708 489). During 2004 (N = R66 1 223 146) the total cost of dermatological products was 4.09 % (n = R27 025 540.48) of the total cost of all medicine products in the database. The cost-prevalence index for 2001 and 2004 respectively showed that the dermatological products were relatively expensive with values of 1.03 and 1.09. The antibacterial and antifungal drugs, corticosteroids and anti-acne products represented 91.92 % (n = 129 336) and 87.97 % (n = 175 9 16) of all dermatological products during 2001 (N = 140 701) and 2004 (N = 199 976), respectively. These dermatological groups named above represented 91.57 % (n = R17 319 645.61) and 85.85 '% (n = R23 200 594.71), respectively, of the total cost of dermatological products during 200 1 (N = R18 9 13 889.92) and 2004 (N = R27 025 540.48). It was further found that the majority of dermatological products prescribed during the research periods was innovator products. The prevalence of innovator products for 2001 was 86.17 % (n = 12 1 249) with a total cost representing 94.16 % (n = R17 809 603.12). For 2004 the prevalence was 82.33 % (n = 164 640) with a total cost representing 91 .O1 '% (n = R24 594 923.72) of all the dermatological products prescribed. The number of innovator and generic products claimed during 2001 amounted to 86.17 % (n = 12 1 249) and 13.83 % (n = 19 452) respectively of the total number of products claimed (N = 140 701). During 2004 the number of innovator and generic products represented respectively 82.33 % (n = 164 640) and 17.67 O/o (n = 35 336) of the total number of products claimed (N = 199 976). The prevalence in the use of the dermatological products during 2004 increased with 55.25 % from January to April versus September to December. The cost-prevalence index indicated that the dermatological products were relatively expensive during January to August 2004. During September to December 2004 the cost-prevalence decreased and indicated that dermatological products became inexpensive. The average cost of dermatological products during the 2004 study period showed that the cost decreased. January to April (before implementation of the new single exit price structure) was compared to September to December (after implementation of the new single exit price structure). This comparison indicated that the average cost decreased by 22.88 %. It can be summarised that the average cost in the last study period decreased due to the changed price structure. The innovator products' prevalence was high and therefore more generics are needed in dermatology. If more generics are used the total cost of dermatological products might also decrease. The number of dermatological prescriptions increased towards 2004, but this may be because of more members or more medical aids claiming through this database. / Thesis (M.Pharm.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

A large number of people all over the world suffer from skin conditions. Dermatological problems comprise about 10 % of a general practitioner's caseload and probably more for pharmacists. The literature furthermore emphasises that skin diseases are becoming a significant problem in the developing world. There is a need to establish an effective method to achieve good health and quality of life for patients with dermatological problems. The general objective of this study was to investigate the usage patterns and cost of dermatological products in the private health care sector of South Africa by using a medicine claims database. The focus was specifically on dermatological products with a prevalence of more than 10 % in the database. A quantitative retrospective drug utilisation research design was used to evaluate the usage patterns and costs of dermatological products in three four-monthly intervals of 2001 and 2004. Data were analysed by using the Statistical Analysis System, 9.1 (SAS). The dermatological product groups for this study were antibacterial and antifungal drugs, corticosteroids and anti-acne products and were analysed according to the MIMS classification. Of all analysed prescriptions issued only 8.57 % (n = 126 447) during 2001 (N = 1 475 380) and 6.82 % (n = 177 122) during 2004 (N = 2 595 254) consisted of dermatological products. Of the total number of products prescribed, the dermatological products constituted 4.77 %I (n = 140 701) for 2001 (N = 2 95 1 326) and 3.77 % (n = 199 976) for 2004 (N = 5 305 882). The total cost of the dermatological products was 4.98 % (n = R18 913 889.92) of the total cost of all medicine products during 200 1 (N = R379 708 489). During 2004 (N = R66 1 223 146) the total cost of dermatological products was 4.09 % (n = R27 025 540.48) of the total cost of all medicine products in the database. The cost-prevalence index for 2001 and 2004 respectively showed that the dermatological products were relatively expensive with values of 1.03 and 1.09. The antibacterial and antifungal drugs, corticosteroids and anti-acne products represented 91.92 % (n = 129 336) and 87.97 % (n = 175 9 16) of all dermatological products during 2001 (N = 140 701) and 2004 (N = 199 976), respectively. These dermatological groups named above represented 91.57 % (n = R17 319 645.61) and 85.85 '% (n = R23 200 594.71), respectively, of the total cost of dermatological products during 200 1 (N = R18 9 13 889.92) and 2004 (N = R27 025 540.48). It was further found that the majority of dermatological products prescribed during the research periods was innovator products. The prevalence of innovator products for 2001 was 86.17 % (n = 12 1 249) with a total cost representing 94.16 % (n = R17 809 603.12). For 2004 the prevalence was 82.33 % (n = 164 640) with a total cost representing 91 .O1 '% (n = R24 594 923.72) of all the dermatological products prescribed. The number of innovator and generic products claimed during 2001 amounted to 86.17 % (n = 12 1 249) and 13.83 % (n = 19 452) respectively of the total number of products claimed (N = 140 701). During 2004 the number of innovator and generic products represented respectively 82.33 % (n = 164 640) and 17.67 O/o (n = 35 336) of the total number of products claimed (N = 199 976). The prevalence in the use of the dermatological products during 2004 increased with 55.25 % from January to April versus September to December. The cost-prevalence index indicated that the dermatological products were relatively expensive during January to August 2004. During September to December 2004 the cost-prevalence decreased and indicated that dermatological products became inexpensive. The average cost of dermatological products during the 2004 study period showed that the cost decreased. January to April (before implementation of the new single exit price structure) was compared to September to December (after implementation of the new single exit price structure). This comparison indicated that the average cost decreased by 22.88 %. It can be summarised that the average cost in the last study period decreased due to the changed price structure. The innovator products' prevalence was high and therefore more generics are needed in dermatology. If more generics are used the total cost of dermatological products might also decrease. The number of dermatological prescriptions increased towards 2004, but this may be because of more members or more medical aids claiming through this database. / Thesis (M.Pharm.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Acne is a very common disease affecting approximately 85% of people in some stage of their life (Wolff et al., 2005:2). The systemic drug isotretinoin is the only acne drug which has an influence on all the pathophysiological factors of this highly prevalent disease and is considered as the most effective treatment for acne, although it should be limited to the treatment of severe acne. Isotretinoin prescribing is under the largest risk-minimisation programme (called iPLEDGE) ever implemented for a drug in the United States of America, due to concerns with pregnancies during isotretinoin treatment (Honein et al., 2007:11). In comparison South Africa has no equal managing programme to regulate isotretinoin prescribing and the need to identify certain prescribing patterns is deemed necessary. The general objective of this study was to analyse the prescribing patterns of isotretinoin, including aspects of cost, in a section of the private healthcare sector of South Africa. A quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation review was performed to evaluate the prescribing patterns and cost of isotretinoin containing products claimed through a pharmacy benefit management organisation, over the study period of 2005 and 2006. Data were analysed by using the Statistical Analysis System, 9.1 (SAS). The information of prescriber, age, gender, and cost of isotretinoin usage were considered and evaluated. A total number of 6 427 and 6 927 patients claimed 18 589 and 20 232 isotretinoin prescriptions respectively during 2005 and 2006. Isotretinoin total costs contributed to 34.4% (n = R6 810 090) and 36.3% (n = R6 533 241) of the total identified acne medicine costs for 2005 and 2006 respectively. Isotretinoin represented the highest percentage of total costs in relation to any other acne product identified in both study years. Average costs of R314.82 ± 205.92 per prescribed isotretinoin item in 2005 and R277.63 ± 192.63 in 2006 were recorded in comparison to the total database medicine item cost of R95.33 ± 192.21 in 2005 and R95.33± 227.99 in 2006. The generic products of isotretinoin were claimed at a lower ratio (generic vs. innovator product ratio of 1.8:1 in 2005 and 2.2:1 in 2006) in relation to the total database (generic ratio of 3:1 in both years). Dermatologists prescribed 68.2% and 65.7% of isotretinoin prescriptions and general practitioners 27.5% and 29.7%. General practitioners were more likely to prescribe the generic equivalents of isotretinoin (68.9% in 2005 and 72.1% in 2006) in comparison to dermatologists (59.7% in 2005 and 63.4% in 2006). The teenage group 12 to 19 years received 48.4% (n = 8 989) and 47.7% (n = 9 656) of isotretinoin prescriptions claimed respectively at an estimated cost of R275 000 and R260 000 per 10 000 beneficiaries in this age group respectively for 2005 and 2006. There were 71 patients identified over both study years in the age group younger than 12 years, in which isotretinoin use is not recommended. Female patients received 56.2% (n = 10 450) and 57.4% (n = 11 610) of the total number of isotretinoin prescriptions claimed respectively for 2005 and 2006. The average cost per isotretinoin prescription claimed for male patients was higher (R406.36 ± 233.76 and R358.69 ± 218.29 respectively for 2005 and 2006) in relation to female patients (R335.15 ± 209.98 and R296.36 ± 197.74 respectively for 2005 and 2006). The median ages for female and male patients were 21 years and 18 years respectively. The concern, however, was the high number of female patients of child-bearing potential identified (2 892 and 3 201 female patients respectively for 2005 and 2006), claiming their isotretinoin prescriptions. Systemic isotretinoin occurred alone in 70.8% and 69.3% of prescriptions claimed respectively for 2005 and 2006. Oral contraceptives occurred in combination with isotretinoin in only 8.6% and 9.2% of isotretinoin prescriptions claimed. The contra-indicated use of a systemic tetracycline in combination with systemic isotretinoin occurred in 139 (0.75%) and 130 (0.64%) prescriptions. It can be concluded that the use of isotretinoin increased. Dermatologists played the major role in prescribing isotretinoin. The number of female isotretinoin users (especially of child-bearing potential) could be a concern, although pregnancy prevalence should be identified in South Africa. It is recommended that further studies be conducted in South Africa regarding the usage and control of isotretinoin, including the extension of regulating programmes, with special reference to age and gender. Effective management of the increasing popularity of this ultimately successful acne treatment is of utmost importance to ensure the effective and safe usage of isotretinoin. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Acne is a very common disease affecting approximately 85% of people in some stage of their life (Wolff et al., 2005:2). The systemic drug isotretinoin is the only acne drug which has an influence on all the pathophysiological factors of this highly prevalent disease and is considered as the most effective treatment for acne, although it should be limited to the treatment of severe acne. Isotretinoin prescribing is under the largest risk-minimisation programme (called iPLEDGE) ever implemented for a drug in the United States of America, due to concerns with pregnancies during isotretinoin treatment (Honein et al., 2007:11). In comparison South Africa has no equal managing programme to regulate isotretinoin prescribing and the need to identify certain prescribing patterns is deemed necessary. The general objective of this study was to analyse the prescribing patterns of isotretinoin, including aspects of cost, in a section of the private healthcare sector of South Africa. A quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation review was performed to evaluate the prescribing patterns and cost of isotretinoin containing products claimed through a pharmacy benefit management organisation, over the study period of 2005 and 2006. Data were analysed by using the Statistical Analysis System, 9.1 (SAS). The information of prescriber, age, gender, and cost of isotretinoin usage were considered and evaluated. A total number of 6 427 and 6 927 patients claimed 18 589 and 20 232 isotretinoin prescriptions respectively during 2005 and 2006. Isotretinoin total costs contributed to 34.4% (n = R6 810 090) and 36.3% (n = R6 533 241) of the total identified acne medicine costs for 2005 and 2006 respectively. Isotretinoin represented the highest percentage of total costs in relation to any other acne product identified in both study years. Average costs of R314.82 ± 205.92 per prescribed isotretinoin item in 2005 and R277.63 ± 192.63 in 2006 were recorded in comparison to the total database medicine item cost of R95.33 ± 192.21 in 2005 and R95.33± 227.99 in 2006. The generic products of isotretinoin were claimed at a lower ratio (generic vs. innovator product ratio of 1.8:1 in 2005 and 2.2:1 in 2006) in relation to the total database (generic ratio of 3:1 in both years). Dermatologists prescribed 68.2% and 65.7% of isotretinoin prescriptions and general practitioners 27.5% and 29.7%. General practitioners were more likely to prescribe the generic equivalents of isotretinoin (68.9% in 2005 and 72.1% in 2006) in comparison to dermatologists (59.7% in 2005 and 63.4% in 2006). The teenage group 12 to 19 years received 48.4% (n = 8 989) and 47.7% (n = 9 656) of isotretinoin prescriptions claimed respectively at an estimated cost of R275 000 and R260 000 per 10 000 beneficiaries in this age group respectively for 2005 and 2006. There were 71 patients identified over both study years in the age group younger than 12 years, in which isotretinoin use is not recommended. Female patients received 56.2% (n = 10 450) and 57.4% (n = 11 610) of the total number of isotretinoin prescriptions claimed respectively for 2005 and 2006. The average cost per isotretinoin prescription claimed for male patients was higher (R406.36 ± 233.76 and R358.69 ± 218.29 respectively for 2005 and 2006) in relation to female patients (R335.15 ± 209.98 and R296.36 ± 197.74 respectively for 2005 and 2006). The median ages for female and male patients were 21 years and 18 years respectively. The concern, however, was the high number of female patients of child-bearing potential identified (2 892 and 3 201 female patients respectively for 2005 and 2006), claiming their isotretinoin prescriptions. Systemic isotretinoin occurred alone in 70.8% and 69.3% of prescriptions claimed respectively for 2005 and 2006. Oral contraceptives occurred in combination with isotretinoin in only 8.6% and 9.2% of isotretinoin prescriptions claimed. The contra-indicated use of a systemic tetracycline in combination with systemic isotretinoin occurred in 139 (0.75%) and 130 (0.64%) prescriptions. It can be concluded that the use of isotretinoin increased. Dermatologists played the major role in prescribing isotretinoin. The number of female isotretinoin users (especially of child-bearing potential) could be a concern, although pregnancy prevalence should be identified in South Africa. It is recommended that further studies be conducted in South Africa regarding the usage and control of isotretinoin, including the extension of regulating programmes, with special reference to age and gender. Effective management of the increasing popularity of this ultimately successful acne treatment is of utmost importance to ensure the effective and safe usage of isotretinoin. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.