Potential Statin Overuse in Older Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study Using French Health Insurance Databases

Background Although compelling evidence exists supporting statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) for secondary prevention in older patients with clinical atherosclerotic diseases, the same cannot be said for primary prevention. Objectives The objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of potential statin overuse in older patients, the potential drug cost savings if corrected, and the associated factors. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Alsace and Lorraine (France) from 1 January to 30 April 2017. All statin users aged 80 years or over living in the community (including nursing homes) and identified from the French health insurance database were analyzed. Potential statin overuse was defined according to the STOPP/START (Screening Tool of Older People’s Prescriptions/Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment) criteria. Results Among the 38,268 aged insured, 23,228 (60.7%) had potential statin overuse. Of those living in the community, 22,132 (60.0%) patients had potential statin overuse: 12,352 (55.8%) for primary and 9780 (44.2%) for secondary prevention. Among nursing home residents, 1096 (79.0%) had potential statin overuse: 394 (35.9%) for primary and 702 (64.1%) for secondary prevention. The potential drug cost savings associated with the adjustment of potential statin overuse were €924,100 for the study period. Living in nursing home [adjusted odds ratio (OR adjusted ) 3.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.82–5.41] and being a female (OR adjusted 2.84, 95% CI 2.54–3.17) were the main risk factors associated with potential statin overuse. Conclusion The frequency of potential statin overuse is very high among older people aged 80 years or over, highlighting the need to re-evaluate statin therapy and consider deprescribing, particularly for primary prevention and in nursing homes.