OBJECTIVES: Numerous studies show the benefits of vitamin D; in the prevention of bone disease, supporting the immune system and the prevention and mitigation of cancer. Until recently, supplementation has been deemed unnecessary. In the light of emerging evidence, some practitioners are nonetheless adding vitamin D and its analogues to their prescriptions. The aim of the study was to determine the prescribing patterns of vitamin D and analogues (ATC code A11CC) in private healthcare settings in South Africa.

METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional drug utilisation study was conducted on a South African medical insurance administrator database for 2018. Products in ATC subgroup A11CC (vitamin D and analogues) were extracted and analysed. Microsoft Access^® and Excel^® were used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS: A total of 302 patients received 1164 prescriptions for a vitamin D or analogue product during 2018. The average age of patients was 47.14 (SD=24.03) years, and the majority were female (58.28%). Very young patients and middle-aged patients received most of the prescriptions. Ergocalciferol (A11CC01) was the most frequently prescribed (59.79%), followed by alfacalcidol (A11CC), colecalciferol (A11CC05) and calcitriol (A11CC04). Ergocalciferol 50 000 IU tablets was the most frequently prescribed trade name product (59.45%), followed by alfacalcidol capsules (21.31%).

CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D was used across the age range. Most patients received their prescription from a pharmacy. It appears that vitamin D supplementation is primarily prescribed and used in the very young and in older age groups, suggesting their need for additional supplementation.