THE PRESCRIPTION OF DRUG WITH REIMBURSEMENT LIMITATIONS TO ITALIAN CHILDREN POPULATION

Key words: Pharmacoepidemiology, Pharmacoeconomics, Child, Reimbursement, National Health Service

The objectives of the study are to evaluate the pattern of drug prescriptions reimbursed with limitations (AIFA notes) by the National Health System in the Italian paediatric population. Prescriptions involving 982,035 children <14 years old, dispensed during 2003 by the retail pharmacies of 24 Italian local health units participating in the ARNO project, were analysed. A total of 620,239 children (63.2%) received at least one drug prescription; 80,815 received at least one drug associated with an AIFA note. The note most used, in this prescription sample is note 55; 35,798 children (3.7%) received injectable antibiotics and ceftriaxone is the most prescribed drug (2.4% of the children). Total expenditure corresponded to about € 6.4 million: somatropin is the most expensive drug (36% of the total expenditure). The main limit of the study is represented by the lack of information about the disease for which drugs are prescribed. However, from the epidemiologic evaluation of the drug prescription pattern, it is evident that the notes are insufficient regulatory tools for rationalising drug use. In order to improve the appropriateness of drug use, educative and formative interventions directed to health operators, families and patients are very important.