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Karamouzian M, Buxton JA, Hategeka C, Nosova E, Hayashi K, Milloy MJ, Kerr T. Shifts in substance use patterns among a cohort of people who use opioids after delisting of OxyContin in BC, Canada: An interrupted time series study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103852. [PMID: 36122483 PMCID: PMC9885984 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND OxyContin was delisted from Canadian provincial drug formularies in March 2012 and replaced with a reformulated tamper-resistant form of oxycodone (i.e., OxyNeo). We assessed if delisting of OxyContin was associated with changes in the use of unregulated opioids and other substances among people who use opioids (PWUO). METHODS Data were derived from two prospective cohort studies of people who use drugs in Vancouver, BC, Canada from 2006 to 2018. PWUO who had at least one follow-up visit before and after delisting of OxyContin were included. Outcomes of interest were self-reported regular (i.e., at least weekly) use of heroin, non-prescribed prescription opioids, cannabis, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine during the previous six months. Using quasi-experimental interrupted time series, we fit generalized least squares models to assess participants' immediate and long-term substance use practices after the policy change. RESULTS We analyzed data from 1014 participants who contributed to 17457 visits during the study. Following the delisting of OxyContin, heroin use increased immediately by 5.17% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.68 to 9.67) and over time by 0.47% (0.35 to 0.58) per month. Non-prescribed prescription opioid use increased immediately by 1.80% (0.10 to 3.50) and over time by 0.16% (0.12 to 0.19) per month. Cannabis use increased immediately by 4.37% (0.88 to 7.87) and over time by 0.11% (0.02 to 0.19) per month. Methamphetamine use did not increase immediately but increased over time by 0.10% (0.01 to 0.18) per month. Crack cocaine use decreased immediately by 6.13% (-10.94 to -1.69) but not significantly over time. Lastly, powder cocaine use did not increase immediately or over time. CONCLUSIONS Delisting of OxyContin in BC was not associated with a reduction in unregulated opioid use among PWUO. Our findings point to a shift in substance use patterns of PWUO post-intervention and further highlight the unintended consequences of supply-reduction interventions in addressing the opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Karamouzian
- British Columbia Centre on Substance use, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3; Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Saint Michael...s Hospital, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M5B 1T8.
| | - Jane A Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Celestin Hategeka
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115,USA; Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Ekaterina Nosova
- British Columbia Centre on Substance use, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance use, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance use, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance use, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
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Donovan PJ, Arroyo D, Pattullo C, Bell A. Trends in opioid prescribing in Australia: a systematic review. AUST HEALTH REV 2021; 44:277-287. [PMID: 32241339 DOI: 10.1071/ah18245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective This review systematically identified studies that estimated the prevalence of prescription opioid use in Australia, assessed the prevalence estimates for bias and identified areas for future research. Methods Literature published after 2000 containing a potentially representative estimate of prescription opioid use in adults, in the community setting, in Australia was included in this review. Studies that solely assessed opioid replacement, illicit opioid usage or acute hospital in-patient use were excluded. Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the grey literature. Results The search identified 2253 peer-reviewed publications, with 34 requiring full-text review. Of these, 20 were included in the final qualitative analysis, in addition to four publications from the grey literature. Most studies included analysed prescription claims data for medicines dispensed via Australia's national medicines subsidy scheme (the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). Although data sources were good quality, all prevalence estimates were at least at moderate risk of bias, predominantly due to incompleteness of data or potential confounding. Included publications demonstrated a significant rise in opioid use up to 2017 (including a 15-fold increase in prescriptions dispensed over the 20 years to 2015), predominantly driven by a sharp rise in oxycodone use. Although opioid prescription numbers continue to escalate, usage, as measured by oral morphine equivalent per capita, may have plateaued since 2014. Codeine remains the most prevalently obtained opioid, followed by oxycodone and tramadol. There was a substantial delay (median 30 months; interquartile range 20-37 months) to publication of opioid usage data from time of availability. Conclusions Australia has experienced a marked increase in opioid prescribing since the 1990s. Current published literature is restricted to incomplete, delayed and historical data, limiting the ability of clinicians and policy makers to intervene appropriately. What is known about the topic? Opioid prescriptions in Australia have continued to increase since the 1990s and may be mirroring the epidemic being seen in the US. What does this paper add? This paper systematically identifies all publications that have examined the prevalence of prescription opioid use in Australia since 2000, and only identified prevalence estimates that were at moderate or high risk of bias, and found significant delays to publication of these estimates. What are the implications for practitioners? Because published literature on the prevalence of prescription opioid consumption is restricted to incomplete, delayed and historical data, the ability of clinicians and policy makers to appropriately intervene to curb prescription opioid use is limited. A national policy of real-time monitoring and reporting of opioid prescribing may support improvements in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Donovan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, cnr Butterfield Street and Bowen Bridge Road, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; and The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4066, Australia. ; and Corresponding author.
| | - David Arroyo
- The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4066, Australia.
| | - Champika Pattullo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, cnr Butterfield Street and Bowen Bridge Road, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia.
| | - Anthony Bell
- The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4066, Australia. ; and The Wesley Hospital, 451 Coronation Drive, Auchenflower, Brisbane, Qld 4066, Australia.
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Nolan ML, Harocopos A, Allen B, Paone D. Reformulation of oxycodone 80 mg to prevent misuse: A cohort study assessing the impact of a supply-side intervention. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 83:102848. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Sutherland R, Peacock A, Nielsen S, Bruno R. Alprazolam use among a sample of Australians who inject drugs: Trends up to six years post regulatory changes. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 79:102721. [PMID: 32289592 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alprazolam is a high potency triazolobenzodiazepine that is associated with a disproportionate amount of harm compared to other benzodiazepines. In Australia, amid growing concerns of extra-medical use and harms, alprazolam was up-scheduled from Schedule 4 (prescription only) to Schedule 8 (controlled drug) on 1 February 2014, with further restrictions introduced on 1 February 2017. This study aims to examine the impact of these regulatory changes among cross-sectional samples of people who inject drugs (PWID), from 2011-2019. METHODS Data were obtained from the 2011-2019 Illicit Drug Reporting System, comprising cross-sectional samples of PWID recruited annually from Australian capital cities (approximately ~900 per year). RESULTS By 2019, the proportion of PWID who reported past six-month use of non-prescribed (17%) and prescribed (4%) alprazolam had halved compared to 2011 (39% and 13%, respectively), with no evidence of an increase in use of other sedative substances. Following the up-scheduling of alprazolam in 2014, there was an increase in the median last price paid for 2 mg of diverted alprazolam ($5AUD pre-rescheduling versus $7AUD post rescheduling), with 61% of those able to answer reporting that diverted alprazolam had become 'more difficult' to obtain post versus pre-rescheduling. The correlates associated with non-prescribed alprazolam use remained relatively consistent pre- and post-regulatory change, with past-month criminal activity, past six-month opioid agonist therapy and past six-month use of non-prescribed other benzodiazepines associated with non-prescribed alprazolam use in both the 2013 and 2018 samples. CONCLUSIONS Regulatory changes appear to have resulted in sustained reductions in alprazolam use amongst our annual cross-sectional sentinel samples of PWID, although a considerable minority (17%) continued to report non-prescribed use in 2019. To achieve further reductions in non-prescribed use and associated harms, these regulatory changes need to be coupled with other interventions, such as direct consumer engagement and harm reduction messaging. Our findings suggest that people receiving opioid agonist therapy remain a key target population for such interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Suzanne Nielsen
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Monash Addiction Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Australia
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Harms associated with extramedical use of prescription opioid analgesics in Australia: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2019; 15:925-935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Schaffer AL, Buckley NA, Degenhardt L, Larance B, Cairns R, Dobbins TA, Pearson SA. Person-level changes in oxycodone use after the introduction of a tamper-resistant formulation in Australia. CMAJ 2019; 190:E355-E362. [PMID: 29581162 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australia introduced tamper-resistant controlled-release (CR) oxycodone in April 2014. We quantified the impact of the reformulation on dispensing, switching and poisonings. METHODS We performed interrupted time-series analyses using population-representative national dispensing data from 2012 to 2016. We measured dispensing of oxycodone CR (≥ 10 mg), discontinuation of use of strong opioids and switching to other strong opioids after the reformulation compared with a historical control period. Similarly, we compared calls about intentional opioid poisoning using data from a regional poisons information centre. RESULTS After the reformulation, dispensing decreased for 10-30 mg (total level shift -11.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI], -17.2% to -4.6%) and 40-80 mg oxycodone CR (total level shift -31.5%, 95% CI -37.5% to -24.9%) in participants less than 65 years of age but was unchanged in people 65 years of age or older. Compared with the previous year, discontinuation of use of strong opioids did not increase (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.00), but switching to oxycodone/naloxone did increase (adjusted HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.79). Switching to morphine varied by age (p < 0.001), and the greatest increase was in participants less than 45 years of age (adjusted HR 4.33, 95% CI 2.13 to 8.80). Participants switching after the reformulation were more likely to be dispensed a tablet strength of 40 mg or more (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.79). Calls for intentional poisoning that involved oxycodone taken orally increased immediately after the reformulation (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.31, 95% CI 1.05-1.64), but there was no change for injected oxycodone. INTERPRETATION The reformulation had a greater impact on opioid access patterns of people less than 65 years of age who were using higher strengths of oxycodone CR. This group has been identified as having an increased risk of problematic opioid use and warrants closer monitoring in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Schaffer
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health (Schaffer, Pearson), University of New South Wales; School of Medical Sciences (Buckley), University of Sydney; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Degenhardt, Larance, Dobbins), University of New South Wales, Sydney, AU; New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (Cairns), Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, AU
| | - Nicholas A Buckley
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health (Schaffer, Pearson), University of New South Wales; School of Medical Sciences (Buckley), University of Sydney; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Degenhardt, Larance, Dobbins), University of New South Wales, Sydney, AU; New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (Cairns), Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, AU
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health (Schaffer, Pearson), University of New South Wales; School of Medical Sciences (Buckley), University of Sydney; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Degenhardt, Larance, Dobbins), University of New South Wales, Sydney, AU; New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (Cairns), Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, AU
| | - Briony Larance
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health (Schaffer, Pearson), University of New South Wales; School of Medical Sciences (Buckley), University of Sydney; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Degenhardt, Larance, Dobbins), University of New South Wales, Sydney, AU; New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (Cairns), Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, AU
| | - Rose Cairns
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health (Schaffer, Pearson), University of New South Wales; School of Medical Sciences (Buckley), University of Sydney; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Degenhardt, Larance, Dobbins), University of New South Wales, Sydney, AU; New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (Cairns), Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, AU
| | - Timothy A Dobbins
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health (Schaffer, Pearson), University of New South Wales; School of Medical Sciences (Buckley), University of Sydney; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Degenhardt, Larance, Dobbins), University of New South Wales, Sydney, AU; New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (Cairns), Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, AU
| | - Sallie-Anne Pearson
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health (Schaffer, Pearson), University of New South Wales; School of Medical Sciences (Buckley), University of Sydney; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Degenhardt, Larance, Dobbins), University of New South Wales, Sydney, AU; New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (Cairns), Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, AU
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Peacock A, Larance B, Bruno R, Pearson SA, Buckley NA, Farrell M, Degenhardt L. Post-marketing studies of pharmaceutical opioid abuse-deterrent formulations: a framework for research design and reporting. Addiction 2019; 114:389-399. [PMID: 29989247 PMCID: PMC6599581 DOI: 10.1111/add.14380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Opioid formulations with properties to deter abuse (abuse-deterrent formulations; ADFs) have been developed as one response to the prescription opioid 'epidemic'. As for all medicines, ADFs undergo evaluation of safety and efficacy prior to registration for marketing. However, reduced extra-medical use (the primary intended outcome of ADFs and reason for their introduction) can only be established in post-marketing observational studies, comparing them to opioid formulations without abuse-deterrent properties. This has implications for various features of study design and analysis. We discuss proposals for the design, conduct, governance and reporting of post-marketing studies on the effectiveness of pharmaceutical and opioid ADFs. METHODS A review of current guidance documents, public work-shops and forums and our own experience with post-marketing studies of ADFs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Research questions for post-marketing studies on ADFs of opioids should reasonably be framed around detecting any probable intended or unintended clinical and/or meaningful changes in specific aspects of extra-medical use (e.g. injection use) and harms. Outcomes reported by prevalence and frequency of occurrence and disaggregated by specific product and route of administration can illustrate the magnitude of ADF impact. We argue that a multi-faceted approach is required, using data from both general population and sentinel high-risk cohorts and from primary and secondary data sources. The comparator (historical non-ADF formulation of that opioid, equivalent current generic or similar opioid product), duration of monitoring and analytical approach require justification and should be sufficient to add weight to conclusions of causality. To maximize transparency, we recommend explicit declarations of funding and conflict of interest, establishment of an advisory committee, publication of study protocol and access to study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia,School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Briony Larance
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia,School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Sallie-Anne Pearson
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
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Wee Jun Yan I, Lim Tian Ying B, Brennan F. Public Policy: An Analgesia for Opioid Diversion. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2019; 32:178-191. [PMID: 30676178 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2018.1546788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Although opioids are a commonly prescribed form of analgesics among the armamentarium for their efficacy and safety when used responsibly, societal problems of drug diversion are highly prevalent. This review seeks to examine the importance of opioids and the extent of diversion and its impact, drawbacks, and controversies in law, public policies, and strategies. In particular, the law has skewed its focus toward the regulation of opioid suppliers (as compared to consumers), giving rise to a chilling effect where physicians are hesitant to prescribe opioids to patients with legitimate needs. This has downplayed the importance of medically treating pain, especially in the context of palliative care. This article recommends the intelligent use of public policy to alleviate the opioid diversion problem while acknowledging the importance of appropriate pain management. Concurrently, this article recommends providing continuous education and support for physicians, dispensers, and the like and adoption of soft law approaches by legislators and enforcement bodies to prevent relentless clamping down on opioid abusers. In conclusion, appropriate policies and guidelines are necessary to support the entire health care body in executing a coordinated approach and exercising vigilance to better manage the opioid diversion problem.
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Gisev N, Pearson SA, Dobbins T, Currow DC, Blyth F, Larney S, Dunlop A, Mattick RP, Wilson A, Degenhardt L. Combating escalating harms associated with pharmaceutical opioid use in Australia: the POPPY II study protocol. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e025840. [PMID: 30518593 PMCID: PMC6286479 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid prescribing has increased 15-fold in Australia in the past two decades, alongside increases in a range of opioid-related harms such as opioid dependence and overdose. However, despite concerns about increasing opioid use, extramedical use and harms, there is a lack of population-level evidence about the drivers of long-term prescribed opioid use, dependence, overdose and other harms. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will form a cohort of all adult residents in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, who initiated prescribed opioids from 2002 using Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing records. This cohort will be linked to a wide range of other datasets containing information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, health service use and adverse outcomes (eg, opioid dependence and non-fatal and fatal overdose). Analyses will initially examine patterns and predictors of prescribed opioid use and then apply regression and survival analysis to quantify the risks and risk factors of adverse outcomes associated with prescribed opioid use. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has received full ethical approval from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Ethics Committee, the NSW Population and Health Services Research Committee and the ACT Health Human Research Ethics Committee. This will be the largest postmarketing surveillance study of prescribed opioids undertaken in Australia, linking exposure and outcomes and examining risk factors for adverse outcomes of prescribed opioids. As such, this work has important translational promise, with direct relevance to regulatory authorities and agencies worldwide. Project findings will be disseminated at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. We will also conduct targeted dissemination with policy makers, professional bodies and peak bodies in the pain, medicine and addiction fields through stakeholder workshops and advisory groups. Results will be reported in accordance with the REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely collected Data (RECORD) Statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Gisev
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sallie-Anne Pearson
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy Dobbins
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fiona Blyth
- Concord Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrian Dunlop
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard P Mattick
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Wilson
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Ahmad R, Alaei S, Omidian H. Safety and performance of current abuse-deterrent formulations. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 14:1255-1271. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2018.1546289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rand Ahmad
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Samaneh Alaei
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Hamid Omidian
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
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Lebin JA, Murphy DL, Severtson SG, Bau GE, Dasgupta N, Dart RC. Scoring the best deal: Quantity discounts and street price variation of diverted oxycodone and oxymorphone. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2018; 28:25-30. [PMID: 29766592 DOI: 10.1002/pds.4558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diverted prescription opioids are significant contributors to drug overdose mortality. Street price has been suggested as an economic metric of the diverted prescription opioid black market. This study examined variables that may influence the street price of diverted oxycodone and oxymorphone. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing data from the previously validated, crowdsourcing website StreetRx. Street price reports of selected oxycodone and oxymorphone products, between August 22, 2014 and June 30, 2016, were considered for analysis. Geometric means and 95% confidence intervals were calculated comparing prices per milligram of drug in US dollars. Univariate and multivariable regressions were used to examine the influence of dosage strength, drug formulation, and bulk purchasing on street price. RESULTS A total of 5611 oxycodone and 1420 oxymorphone reports were analyzed. Across various dosages and formulations, geometric mean prices per milligram ranged between $0.12 and $1.07 for oxycodone and $0.73 and $2.90 for oxymorphone. For a 2-fold increase in dosage strength, there is a 24.0% (95% CI: -28.1%, -19.6%, P < 0.001) and a 22.5% (95% CI: -24.2%, -20.8%, P < 0.001) decrease on average in price per milligram for oxycodone and oxymorphone, respectively. Lower potency, high dosage strength, crush-resistant opioids, and those purchased in bulk were significantly cheaper. CONCLUSION Street prices for diverted oxycodone and oxymorphone are influenced by multiple factors including potency, dosage, formulation, and bulk purchasing. Buyers who purchase large quantities of low potency, large dosage, crush-resistant formulation prescription opioids can expect to achieve the lowest price.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Lebin
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David L Murphy
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Gabrielle E Bau
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Richard C Dart
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Pergolizzi JV, Raffa RB, Taylor R, Vacalis S. Abuse-deterrent opioids: an update on current approaches and considerations. Curr Med Res Opin 2018; 34:711-723. [PMID: 29262730 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2017.1419171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abuse and misuse of prescription opioids is a significant public health concern. This review examines the strategies used to confer abuse-deterrent properties on opioid abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs), the characteristics and supporting data for each of the available ADFs, and the role of opioid ADFs as part of a comprehensive opioid risk management plan. METHODS A PubMed search was performed for articles published within the last 10 years using the search terms "abuse deterrent opioids". Articles were limited to clinical studies and reviews focusing on United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved opioid ADFs in the US. RESULTS There are currently nine extended-release and one immediate-release opioid pain medications with US FDA-approved ADF labelling. All use either physical and chemical barriers or agonist/antagonist combinations to deter manipulation and abuse. Evidence is mounting that introduction of opioid ADFs has been associated with decreased rates of abuse and diversion of opioids in the US. CONCLUSIONS Although not sufficient by themselves to prevent prescription opioid abuse and misuse, opioid ADFs are an important component of a healthcare provider's comprehensive opioid risk management plan (along with utilization of prescription drug monitoring programs, clinical assessment tools, urine tests, co-prescribing of naloxone to patients at risk of an overdose, access to non-pharmacological treatments and addiction/mental health resources, among others). Adoption of opioid ADFs should be considered as part of an overall public health opioid risk management plan involving all stakeholders to balance legitimate safe and effective use of opioids against misuse and abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert B Raffa
- b University of Arizona College of Pharmacy , Tucson , AZ , USA
- c Temple University School of Pharmacy , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | | | - Steven Vacalis
- d CaroMont Family Medicine-Gastonia , Gastonia , NC , USA
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15
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Jauncey M, Livingston M, Salmon AM, Dietze P. The impact of OxyContin reformulation at the Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre: Pros and cons. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 53:17-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Larance B, Dobbins T, Peacock A, Ali R, Bruno R, Lintzeris N, Farrell M, Degenhardt L. The effect of a potentially tamper-resistant oxycodone formulation on opioid use and harm: main findings of the National Opioid Medications Abuse Deterrence (NOMAD) study. Lancet Psychiatry 2018; 5:155-166. [PMID: 29336948 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30003-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Escalation of pharmaceutical opioid use and harm in North America is well-documented, with similar issues emerging in Australia. One response is the development of tamper-resistant formulations of opioids. A potentially tamper-resistant formulation of controlled-release oxycodone was introduced in Australia in April, 2014, rapidly replacing the non-tamper-resistant formulation. Our study is the most systematic and comprehensive examination of the impact of a new opioid formulation to date, assessing the effect of tamper-resistant formulation of controlled-release oxycodone on population-level opioid use and opioid-related harm (ie, overdose, help-seeking, and treatment-seeking); and opioid use, tampering, and preference for the tamper-resistant formulation of controlled-release oxycodone compared with other drugs or formulations among sentinel populations likely to tamper with pharmaceutical opioids. METHODS We conducted interrupted time-series analyses of opioid sales data and multiple routinely collected health datasets, followed up a cohort of people who tamper with pharmaceutical opioids before and after the introduction of the tamper-resistant formulation of controlled-release oxycodone, and analysed annual surveys of people who inject drugs. Data were collected from several Australian states: New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania. Meta-analyses (weighted Z tests) were conducted to synthesise across data sources providing evidence for a given indicator. FINDINGS At the population level, we found reduced sales of higher strengths of controlled-release oxycodone and increased sales of other oxycodone formulations. No significant effect was observed among population-level indicators of opioid overdose, or help or treatment-seeking. Mortality data were not available for inclusion at the time of our study. Meta-analyses across sentinel populations (ie, prospective cohort, surveys of people who inject drugs, and clients of supervised injecting facilities or needle and syringe programmes) indicated reduced controlled-release oxycodone use via tampering (mainly injection), with no evidence of switching to heroin or other drug use. INTERPRETATION This formulation of controlled-release oxycodone reduced tampering with pharmaceutical opioids among people who inject drugs, but did not affect population-level opioid use or harm. FUNDING Mundipharma Australia, the Australian Government, and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Larance
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Timothy Dobbins
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert Ali
- Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- Sydney Medical School, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The Langton Centre, South East Sydney Local Health District Drug and Alcohol Services, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Washington, DC, USA
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17
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Karanges EA, Buckley NA, Brett J, Blanch B, Litchfield M, Degenhardt L, Pearson SA. Trends in opioid utilisation in Australia, 2006-2015: Insights from multiple metrics. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2017; 27:504-512. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.4369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Karanges
- Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health; University of New South Wales; Kensington Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Buckley
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | - Jonathan Brett
- Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health; University of New South Wales; Kensington Australia
| | - Bianca Blanch
- Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | - Melisa Litchfield
- Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health; University of New South Wales; Kensington Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - Sallie-Anne Pearson
- Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health; University of New South Wales; Kensington Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy; University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
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18
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Gisev N, Pearson SA, Karanges EA, Larance B, Buckley NA, Larney S, Dobbins T, Blanch B, Degenhardt L. To what extent do data from pharmaceutical claims under-estimate opioid analgesic utilisation in Australia? Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2017; 27:550-555. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.4329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Gisev
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; UNSW Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | | | - Emily A. Karanges
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health; UNSW Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | - Briony Larance
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; UNSW Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Buckley
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; UNSW Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | - Timothy Dobbins
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; UNSW Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | | | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; UNSW Sydney; Sydney Australia
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19
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Larance B, Degenhardt L, Peacock A, Gisev N, Mattick R, Colledge S, Campbell G. Pharmaceutical opioid use and harm in Australia: The need for proactive and preventative responses. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017; 37 Suppl 1:S203-S205. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Briony Larance
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; University of New South Wales Australia; Sydney Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; University of New South Wales Australia; Sydney Australia
- School of Population and Global Health; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute; Melbourne Australia
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health; University of Washington; Seattle USA
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; University of New South Wales Australia; Sydney Australia
| | - Natasa Gisev
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; University of New South Wales Australia; Sydney Australia
| | - Richard Mattick
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; University of New South Wales Australia; Sydney Australia
| | - Samantha Colledge
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; University of New South Wales Australia; Sydney Australia
| | - Gabrielle Campbell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; University of New South Wales Australia; Sydney Australia
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20
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Banta-Green CJ, Coffin PO, Schoeppe JA, Merrill JO, Whiteside LK, Ebersol AK. Heroin and pharmaceutical opioid overdose events: Emergency medical response characteristics. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017. [PMID: 28623805 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data may provide insight into opioid overdose incidence, clinical characteristics, and medical response. This analysis describes patient characteristics, clinical features, and EMS response to opioid overdoses, comparing heroin and pharmaceutical opioid (PO) overdoses, using a structured opioid overdose case criteria definition. METHODS A case series study was conducted. EMS medical staff screened cases for possible overdoses and study staff categorized the likelihood of opioid overdose. Medical form data were abstracted. Patient characteristics, clinical presentation, and medical response to heroin and PO-involved overdoses were compared with bi-variate test statistics. RESULTS We identified 229 definite or probable opioid overdose cases over six months: heroin in 98 (43%) cases (10 also involved PO), PO without heroin in 85 (37%) cases, and 46 (20%) that could not be categorized and were excluded from analyses. Heroin overdose patients were younger than PO (median age 33 v 41 (p<0.05)), more often male (80% v 61% (p=<0.01)), intubated less (8% v 22%, p<0.01) and more likely to be administered naloxone (72% v 51%, p<0.01). No significant differences were found between heroin and PO overdoses for initial respiratory rate, Glasgow Coma Scale score, or co-ingestants, but heroin users were more likely to have miotic pupils (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS While heroin and PO events presented similarly, heroin-involved cases were more likely to receive naloxone and less likely to be intubated. Standardized case definitions and data documentation could aid opioid overdose surveillance as well as provide data for measuring the impact of professional and lay interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb J Banta-Green
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle WA, USA.
| | - Phillip O Coffin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Jennie A Schoeppe
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Joseph O Merrill
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Lauren K Whiteside
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington Seattle WA, USA; Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle WA, USA.
| | - Abigail K Ebersol
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kammy KS Poon
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Steven HS Wong
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Severtson SG, Ellis MS, Kurtz SP, Rosenblum A, Cicero TJ, Parrino MW, Gilbert MK, Buttram ME, Dasgupta N, BucherBartelson B, Green JL, Dart RC. Sustained reduction of diversion and abuse after introduction of an abuse deterrent formulation of extended release oxycodone. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 168:219-229. [PMID: 27716575 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of abuse deterrent formulations is one strategy for reducing prescription opioid misuse and abuse. A putative abuse deterrent formulation of oxycodone extended release (OxyContin®) was introduced in 2010. Early reports demonstrated reduced abuse and diversion, however, an analysis of social media found 32 feasible methods to circumvent the abuse deterrent mechanism. We measured trends of diversion, abuse and street price of OxyContin to assess the durability of the initial reduction in abuse. METHODS Data from the Poison Center Program, Drug Diversion Program, Opioid Treatment Program, Survey of Key Informant Patients Program and StreetRx program of the Researched Abuse, Diversion, and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS®) System were used. The average quarterly rates of abuse and diversion for OxyContin were compared from before reformulation to the rate in second quarter 2015. Rates were adjusted for population using US Census data and drug availability. RESULTS OxyContin abuse and diversion declined significantly each quarter after reformulation and persisted for 5 years. The rate of abuse of other opioid analgesics increased initially and then decreased, but to lesser extent than OxyContin. Abuse through both oral and non-oral routes of self-administration declined following the reformulation. The geometric mean difference in the street price of reformulated OxyContin was 36% lower than the reformulated product in the year after reformulation. DISCUSSION Despite methods to circumvent the abuse deterrent mechanism, abuse and diversion of OxyContin decreased promptly following the introduction of a crush- and solubility- resistant formulation and continued to decrease over the subsequent 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew S Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8134, 660 S Euclid, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Steven P Kurtz
- Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities, Department of Justice and Human Services, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 7255 NE 4th Avenue, Suite 112, Miami, FL, 33138, USA.
| | - Andrew Rosenblum
- American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Theodore J Cicero
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8134, 660 S Euclid, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Mark W Parrino
- American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Mance E Buttram
- Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities, Department of Justice and Human Services, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 7255 NE 4th Avenue, Suite 112, Miami, FL, 33138, USA.
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Epidemico, Inc., 50 Milk St., 20th floor, Boston, MA, 02109, USA.
| | - Becki BucherBartelson
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, 777 Bannock Street, Mailcode 0180, Denver, CO, 80204, USA.
| | - Jody L Green
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, 777 Bannock Street, Mailcode 0180, Denver, CO, 80204, USA.
| | - Richard C Dart
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, 777 Bannock Street, Mailcode 0180, Denver, CO, 80204, USA.
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Hale ME, Moe D, Bond M, Gasior M, Malamut R. Abuse-deterrent formulations of prescription opioid analgesics in the management of chronic noncancer pain. Pain Manag 2016; 6:497-508. [DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2015-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Misuse, abuse and diversion of prescription opioid analgesics represent a global public health concern. The development of abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) of prescription opioid analgesics is an important step toward reducing abuse and diversion of these medications, as well as potentially limiting medical consequences when misused or administered in error. ADFs aim to hinder extraction of the active ingredient, prevent administration through alternative routes and/or make abuse of the manipulated product less attractive, less rewarding or aversive. However, opioid ADFs may still be abused via the intended route of administration by increasing the dose and/or dosing frequency. The science of abuse deterrence and the regulatory landscape are still relatively new and evolving. This paper reviews the current status of opioid ADFs, with particular focus on different approaches that can be used to deter abuse, regulatory considerations and implications for clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek Moe
- CIMA Labs Inc., Brooklyn Park, MN, USA
| | - Mary Bond
- TEVA Pharmaceuticals, Frazer, PA, USA
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Degenhardt L, Larance B, Peacock A, Farrell M. Reducing extramedical use and harms of pharmaceutical opioids: the potential role of abuse-deterrent formulations. Lancet Psychiatry 2015; 2:957-9. [PMID: 26544739 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia.
| | - Briony Larance
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
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25
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Peacock A, Degenhardt L, Larance B, Cama E, Lintzeris N, Ali R, Bruno R. A typology of people who tamper with pharmaceutical opioids: responses to introduction of a tamper-resistant formulation of controlled-release oxycodone. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2015; 24:1321-33. [PMID: 26419615 DOI: 10.1002/pds.3883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In April 2014, a tamper-resistant controlled-release oxycodone formulation was released in Australia. We aimed to determine whether there are latent classes of people who tamper with pharmaceutical opioids based on frequency of opioid and illicit drug use, the demographic and clinical profiles of these groups, and if there were changes in use and harms following the introduction. METHODS A prospective cohort of 606 people who regularly tamper with pharmaceutical opioids was interviewed January to March 2014 (Wave 1) and May to August 2014 (Wave 2). Latent class analysis identified groups based on non-prescribed opioid, illicit drug and prescribed opioid substitution therapy (OST) use at Wave 1. Regression models examined whether group membership predicted use and harms at Wave 2. RESULTS Four groups were identified: frequent OST group (39%), mixed OST/heroin group (7%), infrequent pharmaceutical opioid and heroin group (44%) and frequent oxycodone group (25%). Compared with the frequent OST group, the infrequent pharmaceutical opioid/heroin group was more likely to report non-everyday pain and risky alcohol use, and the frequent oxycodone group had higher odds of homelessness. At Wave 2, oxycodone use decreased across groups (odds ratios (OR) ≤ 0.18, p < 0.001, particularly for the frequent oxycodone group: OR ≤ 0.05, p < 0.001), with reductions in days of use (g ≥ 0.35, p < 0.050). Non-prescribed pharmaceutical opioid use, illicit drug use and harms remained stable or decreased. CONCLUSIONS Despite heterogeneity among people who tamper with pharmaceutical opioids, the tamper-resistant formulation was followed by reductions in oxycodone tampering among high-frequency and low-frequency users. There was no evidence of increased use of other opioids or illicit drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Peacock
- School of Medicine (Psychology), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Briony Larance
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elena Cama
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Langton Centre, South East Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) Drug and Alcohol Services, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Ali
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- School of Medicine (Psychology), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Abstract
Prescription drug diversion has significant health, legal and social implications. Deaths from misuse of prescription drugs account for a significant proportion of overdose deaths. The drugs most commonly involved are analgesics, particularly opioids, and psychoactive drugs, particularly benzodiazepines. Diverted drugs are most often sourced from a family member or friend, but are also sourced from overseas pharmacies or laboratories, or bought from drug dealers. Drug diversion can be mitigated by good prescribing practices. Systems for monitoring the prescribing and dispensing of medicines are being instituted across Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Wood
- Addiction medicine fellow, Emergency physician, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney
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