Dutasteride and dutasteride with tamsulosin: analysis of actual versus predicted utilisation
Page last updated: 30 October 2015
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
June 2015
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the utilisation of dutasteride, and dutasteride with tamsulosin fixed dose combination (FDC) product since they were listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in February 2011 and August 2011 respectively. The analysis compares the extent of use predicted at the time of listing to actual use.
Date of listing on PBS
- Dutasteride was listed on the PBS on 1 February 2011.
- Dutasteride with tamsulosin FDC was listed on the PBS on 1 August 2011.
Current PBS listing details are available from PBS website.
Data Source / methodology
The analysis examined de-identified prescription and Government expenditure data for dutasteride and dutasteride/tamsulosin FDC.
The extracted data included the number of prescriptions, the patient beneficiary category and Government expenditure based on the price published in the PBS schedule. All data were based on date of supply to the patient.
Key Findings
- The R/PBS utilisation of dutasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (including both the single agent listed 1 February 2011, and dutasteride with tamsulosin FDC listed 1 August 2011) has been substantially less than expected.
- Use of single agent dutasteride continues to be low and stable.
- Growth in the usage of dutasteride with tamsulosin FDC has been slower than expected.
- Overall utilisation of dutasteride with tamsulosin FDC seems unlikely to reach predicted levels by year 5 of listing.
- In 2014, 63,127 people received at least one prescription for dutasteride with tamsulosin FDC.
