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New Monash College analysis has revealed a regarding rise in new opioid prescriptions amongst youthful Victorians, whereas additionally discovering an general optimistic development, with a drop in opioid prescription numbers and the variety of individuals being prescribed opioid drugs for longer intervals of time.
Researchers used data from 526 GP practices throughout regional and metropolitan Victoria, representing nearly half of that state’s residents, to investigate opioid prescribing charges between 2017 and 2022.
Two papers based mostly on that information present a complete view of the place essentially the most opioids are being prescribed and provides perception into the influence of current PBS measures designed to scale back rising opioid-related harms, together with overdose.
One research, revealed within the Worldwide Journal of Medical Pharmacy, discovered a normal lower in opioid prescribing by normal practitioners, however recognized a 69% improve in new opioid prescription charges for Victorians aged between 15 and 24.
The analysis additionally discovered that whereas prescription charges decreased for many opioids, the variety of prescriptions for tapentadol surged by 263%.
One other current paper, revealed in Ache Medication, discovered a decline within the variety of individuals being prescribed opioids for prolonged intervals of time.
The paper discovered most individuals have been prescribed opioids within the brief time period, with the proportion nonetheless being prescribed opioids three months after their preliminary prescription falling from 5.4% in 2018 to three.6% in 2022.
Researchers additionally in contrast how gender, socio-economic standing and geographical area impacted opioid prescribing charges, discovering disparities between female and male sufferers, deprived sufferers, in addition to these in regional and distant areas.
The research discovered that whereas girls are getting extra opioid prescriptions general (53%), males usually tend to begin new prescriptions. It additionally revealed that essentially the most deprived teams noticed a lower (12%) in opioid prescriptions, whereas the least deprived noticed a rise (6%).
Regional and distant areas had the very best charges of opioid prescribing and new prescription charges, though these charges decreased considerably over the research interval.
Deputy Director of Monash Dependancy Analysis Centre, Professor Suzanne Nielsen, stated it wasn’t clear why youthful populations have been seeing elevated opioid prescriptions and that the development wanted additional investigation.
“We know opioids are important for pain management, and we want to see them used wisely. Seeing these overall reductions in developing long-term use, and less reliance on opioids overall is positive,” Professor Nielsen stated.
Prof Nielsen stated different demographic traits urged the necessity for focused interventions to make sure opioids can be found when clinically wanted, and equitably throughout all teams and geographical areas, whereas minimizing the chance of hurt.
“We know some regions have access to pain management services, which can drive increased opioid use. Although overall reductions are positive, we want to see equitable access for pain management, and access to opioids where they are clinically appropriate.”
Extra data:
Zeynep Balikci et al, Opioid prescribing prevalence and initiation charges in Victoria, Australia: insights from main care information throughout a interval of opioid coverage modifications (2017–2022), Worldwide Journal of Medical Pharmacy (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s11096-024-01849-0
Monica Jung et al, Predictors of persistent opioid use in Australian main care: a retrospective cohort research, 2018–2022, Ache Medication (2024). DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnae071
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Analysis exhibits optimistic modifications in opioid prescribing, however development amongst younger individuals a trigger for concern (2025, February 4)
retrieved 4 February 2025
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