In a British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology study of older adults prescribed statins, first-year nonadherence and discontinuation rates were high.
Among 22,340 Australians aged ≥65 years who initiated statin therapy from 2014 to 2015, 55.1% were nonadherent (did not take statins for at least 80% of the intended time) in the first year after receiving their prescription, and 44.7% had discontinued altogether. Age ≥85 years, diabetes, anxiety, and being initiated on statins by a general practitioner (as opposed to a specialist) were associated with higher likelihood of nonadherence and discontinuation, while hypertension, angina, congestive heart failure, and polypharmacy (concurrent use of ≥5 drugs) were associated with a lower likelihood of nonadherence and discontinuation.
“The study findings highlight the need for interventions to improve statin use among older adults – in order that the benefits of statins can be realised – and recognition that certain sub-groups of people may require additional attention,” said senior author Professor Danny Liew, of Monash University, in Australia.
