Wholesaler-based drug statistics
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Wholesaler-based drug statistics cover all sales of drugs from wholesalers to pharmacies, hospitals/nursing homes and non-pharmacy outlets with permission to sell drugs. Drugs for animals are also included in the statistics.
Drug statistics based on sales from wholesalers have been available since the 1970s and give a total overview of long-term developments in drug consumption.
Purpose of the statistics
The purpose of the wholesaler statistics is to map total drug consumption in Norway.
The information can be used for research on drugs and by the health authorities for overall planning and administration of the pharmaceutical sector.
The statistics are regulated by law.
- Forskrift om grossistverksemd med legemiddel - Lovdata (Norwegian)
Collected information
- Drug: product number, number of packs, price to wholesaler (GIP), price from wholesaler (AIP)
- Customer number: wholesaler’s internal customer number, customer name and county.
- Grocery wholesalers: only report by county level.
- Pharmacy: licence number, county
- Wholesaler: licence number
Reporting is done electronically every month, with the exception of individual wholesalers who report once a year.
Database for wholesaler-based drug statistics
Data from the wholesaler-based drug statistics are openly available, with sales figures dating back to 1999. The statistics are presented by ATC code, and drug consumption is measured in “defined daily doses (DDD)/1000 inhabitants per day” and “number of DDDs”.
Previously, figures from the wholesaler-based drug statistics were published in the annual publication Drug Consumption in Norway. These historical publications are available in both Norwegian and English on the NIPH`s webpages on drug consumption.
Access to data from wholesaler-based drug statistics
Researchers may apply for access to more detailed data from the wholesaler-based drug statistics. The research project must fall within the purpose of the statistics.
Applications are assessed individually. For information about costs, see the application form.
- Skjema for tilgang til grossistbasert legemiddelstatistikk
- Skildring av variablar i grossistbasert legemiddelstatistikk (xls) (xls)
Other statistics on drug consumption
- Norwegian Prescribed Drug Registry (FHI statistikk. in norwegian)