Hepatitis B: utilisation analysis
Page last updated: 3 July 2015
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
February 2015
Abstract
Purpose
To examine the utilisation of medicines for the treatment of hepatitis B.
As the most recent new listing for hepatitis B occurred five years ago (December 2009) a predicted versus actual comparison is out of scope for this analysis.
This analysis focused on treatment of chronic hepatitis B. The vaccination program is out of scope for this analysis.
Background
The primary goal of treating hepatitis B patients is to improve patient survival by preventing or delaying the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer.[1]
Data Source / methodology
Data for the number of prescriptions for medicines used to treat hepatitis B were extracted from the Highly Specialised Drugs (HSD) database for the period January 2003 to June 2014 inclusive, based on the date that the prescription was supplied. These data were used to count the overall number of packs dispensed for medicines used to treat hepatitis B, and the annual cost to Government.
The number of patients was calculated by matching prescriptions from the Department of Human Services (DHS) Authority Approvals database with data from the DHS Medicare Pharmacy Claims database for the period July 2013 to June 2014, inclusive.
Key Findings
During the period July 2013 to June 2014:
- 12,953 patients received treatment for hepatitis B through the PBS.
- 74,493 prescriptions were dispensed at a cost of $59,172,690.
Overall the market of hepatitis B medicines is growing. The DUSC noted this growth is largely attributable to entecavir and tenofovir use, which is consistent with the recommendation in clinical guidelines that most patients commence on these medicines.
Full Report
[1] Gastroenterological Society of Australia. Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) Recommendations – Australia and New Zealand (2010): Gastroenterological Society of Australia; 2009. Available from <http://www.gesa.org.au/professional.asp?cid=9&id=109>.
