The alimentary and metabolism market in romania 1998-2018. Analysis and evolution

Abstract

The alimentary tract and metabolism medicines market in Romania has grown significantly over the last twenty years. For this reason, we aimed to analyse the evolution of the drug consumption by volume (units) and days of treatment (DOT). A retrospective study was conducted based on the pharmaceutical data extracted from Pharma & Hospital Report, issued by Cegedim between 1998 and 2018 in Romania. The results of the study have revealed that the highest share (in descending order) in units, concerning the therapeutic groups, belongs to: A02 (drugs for acid-related disorders), A16 (vitamins), A03 (drugs for functional gastrointestinal disorders), A10 (drugs used in diabetes), A05 (bile and liver therapy), A07 (antidiarrheals, intestinal antiinflammatory/antiinfectives). Taking into consideration the product type, generic medicines are dominating in volume. By launching year, established medicines, having enough years of clinical experience, are of greater interest than the others. Furthermore, concerning market layers, the volume is quite balanced between the 3 layers (Bucharest and large cities, medium cities, small cities), but almost 2/3 of the population stays in the 3rd layer that raises questions about the treatment accessibility in small cities and villages. Regarding the antidiabetic market, there is a spectacular growth in the use of antidiabetic drugs (both in volume and DOT). Our study has showed an increasing trend for most of the groups of alimentary tract and metabolism drugs. Measures should be taken by national authorities to encourage prevention, management of drug therapy and rational use of medicines.