Study of evidence of potential selective prescribing of clenbuterol compared to other beta-2-agonists (Clenbuterol selective prescribing)

Study type

• Study topic:
  Human medicinal product
• Study type:
  Non-interventional study
• Scope of the study:
  Drug utilisation
• Data collection methods:
  Secondary use of data

Study drug and medical condition

• Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code:
  (R03AC) Selective beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonists

  Selective beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonists

Population studied

• Short description of the study population:
  Patients with a first prescription for a beta-2-agonist and at least 180 days of observation were considered.
• Age groups:
  Infants and toddlers (28 days – 23 months)

  Children (2 to < 12 years)

  Adolescents (12 to < 18 years)

  Adults (18 to < 46 years)

  Adults (46 to < 65 years)

  Adults (65 to < 75 years)

  Adults (75 to < 85 years)

  Adults (85 years and over)
• Estimated number of subjects:
  500000

Study design details

• Main study objective:
  The aim of the study was to identify baseline risk factors and indications for use at first start of treatment with clenbuterol vs. other selective beta-2-agonists that may suggest that clenbuterol is selectively prescribed for purposes of muscle building, weight management or sports, or to patients at risk of abuse.
• Data analysis plan:
  Proportion of patients with selected diagnoses among patients that initiated treatment with clenbuterol vs. patients that initiated treatment with other beta-2-agonists. Descriptive study.