Purpose
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) offer a new treatment alternative for patients with hypertension and heart failure. Due
to comparatively high prices, most guidelines suggest ARBs be restricted to patients intolerant to angiotensin-converting
enzyme inhibitors (ACEi). We analysed the prescribing patterns of ARBs in Sweden by combining prescription register data with
patient self-reported data.
Methods
Survey data from 517 patients dispensed ARBs in 55 pharmacies and data on dispensed prescriptions from the Swedish Prescribed
Drug Register were used to study indication, comorbidity and whether ARBs were initiated as first-line treatment.
Results
In 2006, ARBs were dispensed to 3.6% of the Swedish population. The survey showed that 92% used them for hypertension. Register
data showed that 23% of all patients initiated on an ARB had not been prescribed any other antihypertensive drugs 1 year prior
to the initiation.
Conclusions
ARBs are commonly used in Sweden, mainly to treat hypertension. Adherence to prescribing guidelines may be improved.
Keywords Angiotensin receptor blockers - Drug utilisation - Guidelines - Prescribing - ACE inhibitors - Patient survey