Abstract

Background

Antibacterials for systemic use are widely used and public spending on these drugs has increased considerably.

Objective

To evaluate the expenditures with Antibacterials for systemic use and its drivers in the state of Minas Gerais, between 2010 and 2015.

Method

Longitudinal Drug Utilization Study, based on data from the public administration database SIAD-MG. Total expenditures and volumes were estimated per year and per therapeutic subgroup. Drug Cost 90% method was used to identify antibacterials responsible for the highest expenditure. Decomposition analysis was used to evaluate the determinants of expenditures (price, volume, or drug mix).

Results

There was a reduction in expenditure (22.2%) and in volume (25.5%) from 2010 to 2015. Penicillins corresponded to 42% of the total volume. Amoxicillin plain or in combination was responsible for consuming more than one-third of the budget. The reduction in expenditure between 2010 and 2015 was mainly determined by the reduction in volume (25%) and prices (5%).

Conclusion

Volume reduction in the period may harm population coverage. The investment in broad-spectrum agents, drugs considered the second line of treatment, or with little clinical evidence raises the need to create universal clinical protocols that guide the appropriate prescription.

Keywords:
antibacterials; drugs expenditures; drug utilization research