Choices, persistence and adherence to antihypertensive agents: Evidence from RAMQ data

Background Most treatment recommendations for hypertension are based on criteria that consider efficacy, safety and cost. Given the need for long-term use of antihypertensive agents, treatment compliance should also be taken into consideration in the selection process. Objective The purpose of the present study was to estimate persistence and adherence to antihypertensive agents in a real-life setting. Methods Persistence and adherence to treatment were estimated using data from the Regie de l’assurance maladie du Quebec. Results Data from a random sample of 4561 subjects with a diagnosis of hypertension covered by the Regie de l’assurance maladie du Quebec drug plan and using one of the antihypertensive agents reimbursed by the drug plan for the first time between January 2000 and December 2001 were analyzed. The persistence rate observed after a two-year period with diuretics was significantly lower (52.8%) than with any other classes of antihypertensive agent (P