ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In this study, we analyzed the consumption trends of antihypertensives in Morocco during the 1991-2010 period and the impacts after the institution of Mandatory Health Insurance and the marketing of generic drugs. METHODS: We used sales data from the Moroccan subsidiary of IMS Health "Intercontinental Marketing Service". The consumption volumes were converted into defined daily doses (DDDs). RESULTS: Between 1991 and 2010, outpatient consumption of antihypertensives went from 4.37 to 23.14 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day, a 5.30-fold increase. In 2010, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) were the most consumed (4.97 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day) for each one, followed by diuretics (4.20 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day). The most consumed products were amlodipine (4.27 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day) followed by ramipril (3.18 DDD/1000 inhabitants /day) and indapamide (1.72 DDD/1000inhabitants/day). Between 1991 and 2010, the consumption of generic antihypertensives went from 2% to 46%. CONCLUSION: Antihypertensive consumption increased between 1991 and 2010. However, despite the increase of generic drugs consumption, the levels of antihypertensive consumption remain lower than the needs of hypertensive patients.
