Evidence for prolonged prescribing of aspirin-clopidogrel combination in Scottish primary care.

PURPOSE

To identify whether patients were prescribed the combination of aspirin-clopidogrel in primary care after the generally recommended 12-month period.

METHODS

A population based cross-sectional study using data from 61 general practices (1st April 2003-31st March 2004).

RESULTS

691 patients (0.18% of total population) were prescribed aspirin-clopidogrel in combination. 27.78% of these patients had undergone coronary stenting or angioplasty and 34.30% were prescribed this combination for more than 1 year. 96 (13.9%) patients had a previous history of ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients were prescribed the combination of aspirin-clopidogrel beyond the generally accepted 12-month period, which may lead to increased safety and cost concerns.