# Prescription patterns of ambrisentan in some cities of Colombia

## TL;DR

This study examines how ambrisentan is prescribed for pulmonary hypertension in Colombian cities, finding good adherence but low persistence after one year.

## Contribution

The study provides real-world evidence on ambrisentan prescription patterns in Colombia, including adherence and persistence rates.

## Key findings

- Ambrisentan adherence was good with a drug possession rate of 82.2%.
- Persistence at 1 year was low, with only 49.3% of patients continuing treatment.
- 76.1% of patients received ambrisentan in combination with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

## Abstract

Ambrisentan is a selective type A endothelin receptor antagonist that has shown significant effectiveness and safety in the management of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Its use pattern with real‐world evidence in Colombia is unknown.

The objective of this study is to determine the prescription patterns of ambrisentan in some cities of Colombia.

A longitudinal descriptive study on the prescription patterns of ambrisentan in patients with pulmonary hypertension (all the groups) was conducted between January 2021 and December 2022 based on a population database of members of the Colombian Health System. Adherence at 1 year was determined using the Medication Possession Ratio (days the drug was dispensed/days from first dispensing to the end of the follow‐up period × 100). Descriptive analysis was carried out.

Sixty‐seven patients taking ambrisentan were identified in 10 cities of the country. The individuals had a median age of 51.5 years (interquartile range‐IQR: 39.8–64.0 years), and 82.1% were women. The drug possession rate was 82.2% (IQR: 65.0–96.8%), and persistence at 1 year was present in 49.3% (n = 33) of the cases. The average dose was 8.8 ± 5.0 mg/day, and 76.1% (n = 51) received it in combination therapy, mainly with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (61.2%, n = 41).

Adherence to ambrisentan was good, but its persistence at 1 year was low. The dosages of the drug used were in accordance with the recommendations of the clinical practice guidelines, and it was used in combination therapy, especially with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.

This group of Colombian patients with diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and were undergoing treatment with ambrisentan is mainly women, approximately 51 years of age. They are often receiving combined therapy with other medications, especially phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, at the dosages recommended by clinical practice guidelines. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, the adherence to therapy with ambrisentan was good, but persistence of drug use after 1 year of treatment was low.