A new Australian study has found that using single pills that combine two or more blood pressure medications can save money and help people better control their high blood pressure.
These pills are not only cheaper for patients and the government, but also improve health outcomes.
Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health looked at 57 single-pill combinations (SPCs) covered by Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). They found that these pills cost about 30% less for regular patients and saved the government up to 26% for those with a Concession Card.
The study highlights that using one pill instead of several separate ones helps people take their medication more regularly, leading to better blood pressure control and fewer heart-related health problems.
Even though international guidelines recommend SPCs as the first step for treating high blood pressure, Australia’s PBS rules currently prevent doctors from prescribing them first. This is despite the fact that many of these pills are available in affordable generic versions.
High blood pressure affects about one in three Australian adults (around 6.8 million people). Half of them don’t know they have it, and only 32% of those who are treated have their blood pressure under control. This puts people at risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems, and other serious conditions.
Professor Alta Schutte, a co-author of the study, said it’s time for policy changes. “Using single-pill combinations is safer, more effective, and cheaper. Doctors should be allowed to start treatment with these pills, just as they do in many other countries.”
In 2022, managing high blood pressure cost Australia $1.2 billion, with patients paying 41% out-of-pocket. Reducing those costs with better, simpler treatment would help both families and the health system.
The Heart Foundation, Stroke Foundation, and Hypertension Australia are updating Australia’s treatment guidelines to reflect international best practice. But to truly help people, the PBS must also update its rules so doctors can easily prescribe SPCs from the start.
Making this change would improve health outcomes, lower costs, and help Australia meet its health goals. Prof. Schutte said, “We have the tools and data—we now need the government to act.”
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about the ideal blood pressure for older people and common high blood pressure drugs may cause memory problems.
For more health information, please read studies about A common blood pressure medication that could help you live longer and 1 in 5 people with high blood pressure takes a medication that harms blood pressure.
The study is published in Journal of Hypertension.
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