Statin medication in patients treated with antiepileptic drugs in Norway.

Purpose: The lipid-lowering response of statins metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) has previously been shown to be diminished by concurrent use of enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs). The aim of this study was to compare statin prescription in patients receiving EIAEDs versus non-enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (NEIAEDs), before and after introduction of prescribing restrictions for statins in Norway.

Methods: The Norwegian Prescription Database was used to extract data on patients using antiepileptic drugs and statins during 2004 and 2008.

Influence of socioeconomic factors on the adherence of alendronate treatment in incident users in Norway.

Purpose: To examine whether socioeconomic factors influence adherence to alendronate drug treatment among incident users in Norway during 2005-2009.

Methods: The study included 7610 incident alendronate users in 2005 (40-79 years), followed until 31 December 2009. Mean age was 66.

Prescription of anti-osteoporosis drugs during 2004-2007-a nationwide register study in Norway.

Purpose: To assess 1-year prevalence, incidence rates and minimum refill of anti-osteoporosis drug use in Norway by age, gender and place of residence during 2004-2007.

Methods: Data from patients aged > or = 40 years receiving anti-osteoporosis drugs (AOD) were retrieved from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD). AOD were defined as bisphosphonates (alendronate with or without cholecalciferol, risedronate, ibandronate and etidronate with or without calcium), raloxifene, teriparatide and nasal calcitonin.

Co-medication of statins and CYP3A4 inhibitors before and after introduction of new reimbursement policy.

What Is Already Known About This Subject: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are frequently used drugs in the treatment of dyslipidaemia. Co-medication with interacting drugs increases the risk of statin-induced muscular side-effects. Simvastatin exhibits particularly high interaction potential due to substantial metabolism via cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).