Pregabalin: 12 month predicted versus actual analysis
Page last updated: 6 March 2015
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
October 2014
Abstract
Purpose
To examine the utilisation of pregabalin for neuropathic pain in the twelve months after PBS listing (1 March 2013 to 28 February 2014). In recommending the listing of pregabalin at its March 2012 meeting, the PBAC was concerned about the potential for use beyond the estimates presented in the submission and considered that it was essential that the DUSC review usage 12 months after PBS listing.
Date of listing on PBS
1 March 2013.
Data Source / methodology
Data for pregabalin was extracted from the DUSC database from the date of listing on the PBS (1 March 2013) to the most current available data (March 2014).
Key Findings
- The total number of prescriptions of pregabalin supplied in the first 12 months of PBS listing of 1,389,678 was similar to predicted, however utilisation is yet to stabilise and the total number of prescriptions is increasing.
- There were 294,274 PBS/RPBS patients treated with PBS subsidised pregabalin in the first year of listing. This was higher than estimated, however it is unclear at this time point what proportion of patients are continuing on treatment with pregabalin, and for how long.
- The PBS/ RPBS expenditure in the first twelve months of listing was $60.7 million.
- The most commonly supplied strength of pregabalin is 75 mg, accounting for approximately half of all prescriptions.
