Statin prescribing among hypertensive patients in south-west Nigeria: findings and implications for the future

Statins reduce cardiovascular risk especially in patients with hypertension due to their concomitant blood pressure reducing effects. Prescribing generic statins minimizes cost and improves access. Our aim is to ascertain current prescribing of statins in Nigeria and potential savings from the increased use of generics. Prospective study involving hypertensive patients attending University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. 228 hypertensive patients received statins. Atorvastatin was the most prescribed statin, followed by simvastatin, rosuvastatin and finally fluvastatin. Prescribed doses were less than 1 defined daily dose in the majority, with high use of originators. Average monthly potential savings from increased prescribing of generics was US$2,635 for atorvastatin and US$10578 for rosuvastatin. A shift towards increased prescribing generics is recommended to minimize costs