Top 10 subsidised medicines in Australia

Cholesterol-lowering medicines known as statins top the list of the top 10 subsidised drugs in Australia again this year, according to data published in 'Australian Prescriber'.

More than 20 million prescriptions for three different types of statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin) were filled under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, according to the annual list of Top 10 drugs in Australia for July 2012 – June 2013. With atorvastatin topping the list of most costly prescribed medicines, costing the government over $400 million a year.

Statins can deplete the body of CoQ10, an important antioxidant required by the body for many functions including heart health. Individuals taking statins should speak with their pharmacist in relation to the benefits of taking a CoQ10 supplement.

Additionally, proton pump inhibitors (for reducing gastric acid production), pain relievers, ACE inhibitors (for high blood pressure and heart failure), and diabetes, asthma and blood pressure medicines also appeared in the list of top 10 most prescribed medicines.

To view the full lists of Top 10 drugs from the December issue of Australian Prescriber, click here.

Source:
http://www.guild.org.au/news-events/forefront/volume-3-number-47/top-10-subsidised-meds-australian-prescriber-, Wednesday 4 December 2013