Diffusion of innovations in social interaction systems. An agent-based model for the introduction of new drugs in markets.

The existence of imitative behavior among consumers is a well-known phenomenon in the field of Economics. This behavior is especially common in markets determined by a high degree of innovation, asymmetric information and/or price-inelastic demand, features that exist in the pharmaceutical market. This paper presents evidence of the existence of imitative behavior among primary care physicians in Galicia (Spain) when choosing treatments for their patients.

[Evaluation of the pilot program of medicine dispensation in customized doses in Galicia [Spain]].

Objective: To quantify, from an economic perspective, the results of the Pilot Program of Dispensation of Medicines in Unitary Dose in Galicia, Spain.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective study from 35,923 antibiotic prescriptions in customized doses corresponding to 5 active principles (amoxicillin, amoxicilin/clavulanic, claritromicin, cefuroxima axetil and ciprofloxacin). The program, which worked during 12 months, included 292 physicians from 46 units of primary care of the Galician Health Service and 167 offices of pharmacy.

[Heterozygous family hypercholesterolemia: study of use of statins under clinical practice conditions].

Objectives: To compare the use profile of statins in patients with clinical diagnosis of heterozygous family hypercholesterolaemia (HFH) and the use profile of the general population treated with statins. DESIGN. Retrospective, observational study.

[Use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine in Alzheimer-type dementia].

Background: The therapeutic options to treat Alzheimer-type dementia (ATD) in recent years, have made it increasingly necessary to become familiar with the employment pattern of these new medicinal products.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study of the population with ATD treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine in the Gallician Health Service. Databases were compiled with the demographic variables and use data during April 2005 of the medicinal products studied.