Belgian observational drug utilization study of pimecrolimus cream 1% in routine daily practice in atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND

For reimbursement purposes of pimecrolimus cream 1%, the Belgian authorities asked to document its consumption, its topical corticosteroid-sparing effect and quality of life within the routine clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to address the 3 queries of the Belgian authorities.

METHODS

An open-label, observational, multicentre, 1-year study under drug prescription was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 416 consecutive patients were enrolled in 49 centres. The mean annual amount of prescribed pimecrolimus cream 1% per patient was 120.8 g (SD = 117.0), with an estimated consumption of 104.4 g (SD = 117.6). The median annual amount prescribed was 90.0 g [interquartile range (IQR) = 45-150] and the estimated consumption 63.6 g (IQR = 32.4-132). Topical corticosteroids had been used before the study in 81.7% of the population. With pimecrolimus cream 1% during the study, 83.3% of the previous corticosteroid users stated less topical corticosteroid use than before and 36% of them did not apply topical corticosteroids at all during the study. The mean improvements compared to baseline in Parents' Index Quality of Life-Atopic Dermatitis and Quality of Life Index-Atopic Dermatitis scores were 34.5% (SD = 84.3) and 31.2% (SD = 70.8), respectively. The median improvements were 50.0% (IQR = 12.5-85.7%) and 46.4% (IQR = 0.0-85.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In routine practice the consumption of pimecrolimus cream 1% is relatively low, with corticosteroid-sparing effect, improvement in quality of life and good tolerability.