Objective: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used drugs. However, numerous studies have shown that non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors can also significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects. Diclofenac has the highest risk, while naproxen has the lowest risk of developing these complications. The aim of the study was to analyze the structure and amount of NSAIDs consumed in Montenegro, Finland and Croatia in the last 10 years.
Materials and methods: In our study, we used 90% drug use (DU90) and ATC/DDD methodology. Drug consumption is shown in DDD/1000 inhabitants/day, and drug prices per DDD in Euros (€). Pearson's correlation test was used to examine the correlation between the number of drugs consumed and their price.
Results: Diclofenac consumption is 3 to 4 times higher in Montenegro compared to Croatia, and 9 to 10 times higher than in Finland. The average price of diclofenac in Montenegro was around € 0.07 per DDD, in Finland around € 0.26 per DDD and in Croatia € 0.19 per DDD. In Montenegro, the Pearson correlation test did not show a statistically significant association between high diclofenac consumption and its DDD price but showed a positive strong correlation between DDD price growth and naproxen consumption growth.
Conclusions: The situation in Montenegro regarding the consumption of diclofenac is unfavorable and it is necessary to change the attitude and awareness of doctors and patients about the use of diclofenac. It is also necessary to replace diclofenac with naproxen, which is a slightly more expensive but safer drug.