Frontiers in pharmacology
Availability and reimbursement of fixed-dose combination medicines for hypertension treatment in Central and Eastern Europe
By Nowak R, Holko P, Hoxha I and 16 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) represent an important strategy in modern pharmacotherapy and are particularly beneficial in the treatment of chronic conditions such as hypertension because they reduce pill burden and may improve patient adherence to therapy.
Objectives
The primary objective of this study was to compare reimbursement, pricing, and availability policies for FDC medicines used in the treatment of arterial hypertension across 15 CEE countries. Additionally, the study aimed to assess differences in HTA requirements and patient co-payments among the analyzed countries.
Methods
Data were collected from the reimbursement systems of 15 CEE countries using a questionnaire distributed to native experts in each country to ensure contextual accuracy. The list of potential active substance combinations was derived from established clinical guidelines. Associations were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs).