Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of risk minimization measures on cyproterone acetate/ethinylestradiol (CPA/EE) use in the Netherlands. Potential indications of use and concomitant pharmacy dispensing of other hormonal contraceptives (HC) were assessed among new users in 2011, 2012, and 2014.
Methods: In this retrospective drug utilization study, new CPA/EE users were identified by pharmacy dispensings in the PHARMO Database Network in 2011, 2012, and 2014. Recent dispensing of drugs to treat acne and concomitant dispensing of other HC were also assessed. General practitioner records were linked to identify diagnoses of acne, other hyperandrogenic conditions, menstrual problems, or consultations for contraceptive management in the preceding year.
Results: The number of new CPA/EE users identified per year was 7876 in 2011 and 7562 in 2012 (3.7 new users per 1000 women in both years) and 1401 in 2014 (0.7 per 1000 women). The proportions of users with acne diagnosis or treatment were 55% in 2011, 52% in 2012, and 47% in 2014. Concomitant use of other HC was observed for 3% of new CPA/EE users in 2011, and 2% in 2012 and 2014 (median duration 78 days). Another 25% were potential concomitant users (median duration 60 days).
Conclusion: This descriptive analysis showed similar proportions of CPA/EE users examined with acne or other hyperandrogenic conditions, or with recent acne treatment, or concomitant dispensing of other HC in the Netherlands before and after the referral procedure. The key observation was a strong overall reduction of CPA/EE use in the Netherlands.
Keywords: Diane-35; acne; cyproterone acetate; pharmacoepidemiology; risk minimization.
Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.