Potential Statin Overuse in Older Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study Using French Health Insurance Databases.

Background: Although compelling evidence exists supporting statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) for secondary prevention in older patients with clinical atherosclerotic diseases, the same cannot be said for primary prevention.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of potential statin overuse in older patients, the potential drug cost savings if corrected, and the associated factors.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Alsace and Lorraine (France) from 1 January to 30 April 2017.