Prescribing patterns for Parkinson’s disease in a South African patient population

The primary aim of the study was to analyse the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in a defined patient population in South Africa. A cross-sectional, retrospective drug utilization study was conducted on prescription data of a national community pharmacy group for 2010. A total of 25 523 products were prescribed to 5 168 patients. Most patients (59.17%) were females. The average age of patients was 69.57±10.37 years. Levodopa-containing products constituted 46.50% of prescribing frequency. The highest sales value was attributed to a generic levodopa/carbidopa 100/25mg preparation, with the second being the innovator product of the same strength. Dopamine agonists (pramipexole and ropinirole) constituted 39.80% of prescribing frequency, followed by anticholinergic agents (9.20%), the MAO-B inhibitor selegiline (2.12%) and amantadine (1.80%). The cost of levodopa products in combination with a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor was 45.00% of the total expenditure on antiparkinsonian medication. Levodopa remained the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Further investigations need to focus on dosages, side effects, compliance and continuity of medication.