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Mathieson S, Collie A, Maher CG, Abdel Shaheed C, Xia T, Gilbert S, Ferreira GE, Di Donato MF. Secular trends in gabapentinoid dispensing by compensated workers with low back pain: a retrospective cohort study. Occup Environ Med 2024; 81:245-251. [PMID: 38782576 PMCID: PMC11187357 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-109369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The increase in gabapentinoid prescribing is paralleling the increase in serious harms. To describe the low back pain workers compensation population whose management included a gabapentinoid between 2010 and 2017, and determine secular trends in, and factors associated with gabapentinoid use. METHODS We analysed claim-level and service-level data from the Victorian workers' compensation programme between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2017 for workers with an accepted claim for a low back pain injury and who had programme-funded gabapentinoid dispensing. Secular trends were calculated as a proportion of gabapentinoid dispensings per year. Poisson, negative binomial and Cox hazards models were used to examine changes over time in incidence and time to first dispensing. RESULTS Of the 17 689 low back pain claimants, one in seven (14.7%) were dispensed at least one gabapentinoid during the first 2 years (n=2608). The proportion of workers who were dispensed a gabapentinoid significantly increased over time (7.9% in 2010 to 18.7% in 2017), despite a reduction in the number of claimants dispensed pain-related medicines. Gabapentinoid dispensing was significantly associated with an opioid analgesic or anti-depressant dispensing claim, but not claimant-level characteristics. The time to first gabapentinoid dispensing significantly decreased over time from 311.9 days (SD 200.7) in 2010 to 148.2 days (SD 183.1) in 2017. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of claimants dispensed a gabapentinoid more than doubled in the period 2010-2017; and the time to first dispensing halved during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Mathieson
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alex Collie
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher G Maher
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christina Abdel Shaheed
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ting Xia
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Gilbert
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Giovanni E Ferreira
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael F Di Donato
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Benassayag Kaduri N, Dressler R, Abu Ahmad W, Rotshild V. Trends in Pregabalin Use and Prescribing Patterns in the Adult Population: A 10-Year Pharmacoepidemiologic Study. CNS Drugs 2024; 38:153-162. [PMID: 38273137 PMCID: PMC10881619 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-024-01064-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Pregabalin is steadily gaining popularity worldwide, with epidemiological studies indicating an increase in labeled, off-labeled, and recreational uses. In Israel, pregabalin prescriptions are not regulated by the controlled substances legislations, prompting a need to examine its usage trends for potential policy adjustments. The objective of this study was to assess trends in pregabalin prescribing during a 10-year period, to characterize demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals prescribed pregabalin, and to identify risk factors associated with high-intensity pregabalin use. METHODS This retrospective, longitudinal study examined trends in pregabalin prescribing from 2010 to 2019 based on data extracted from the Clalit Health Services (CHS) electronic database. Annual pregabalin prescribing rate was calculated individually for each reporting year. A univariable analysis was conducted to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of pregabalin users in 2019 with those in 2010. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess dose-related patterns by specific demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Pregabalin prescription rate more than doubled over 10 years [odds ratio (OR) 2.3, p = 0.001], reaching 7.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.18-7.28] prescriptions per 100 CHS members in 2019. The highest prescription rates were observed among the elderly population (13.2 and 24.1 prescriptions per 100 CHS members for those aged 55-74 and over 75 years old, respectively). Same-year administration of pregabalin with opioids, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs was common; however, the percentage of patients using these drugs together declined in 2019 compared with 2010 (p < 0.001). Males, patients with low socioeconomic status, patients aged 35-54 years, and those who consumed opioids, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs received higher pregabalin doses. CONCLUSION Pregabalin use has increased significantly in the Israeli adult-based CHS population, consistent with worldwide data. A growing use over time may indicate overprescription. More studies are needed on misuse patterns to identify populations most susceptible to high-dose and high-intensity pregabalin use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nofar Benassayag Kaduri
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Reuven Dressler
- Jerusalem District, Clalit Health Services, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wiessam Abu Ahmad
- School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Victoria Rotshild
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Jerusalem District, Clalit Health Services, Jerusalem, Israel
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Durand L, O'Kane A, Tierney J, Cronly M, Bennett KE, Kavanagh Y, Keenan E, Cousins G. Gabapentinoids in Ireland 2010 to 2020: An observational study of trends in gabapentinoid prescribing, law enforcement drug seizures and postmortem toxicology. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38072974 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS We explored trends in gabapentinoid prescribing, drug seizures and postmortem toxicology using a national pharmacy claims database, law enforcement drug seizures data and a population-based postmortem toxicology database. METHODS Gabapentinoid prescribing rates per 100 000 eligible population (2010-2020), annual number of drug seizures involving gabapentinoids (2012-2020) and gabapentinoid detection (positive) rates per 100 postmortem toxicology case (2013-2020) were calculated. Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate longitudinal trends for gabapentin and pregabalin separately. RESULTS Gabapentin (adjusted rate ratio [RR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.06, P < .001) and pregabalin (adjusted RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.08-1.09, P < .001) prescribing increased annually, with higher rates of pregabalin (vs. gabapentin) observed every year. Drug seizures involving pregabalin also increased over time (RR 1.54 95% CI 1.25-1.90, P < .0001). Of the 26 317 postmortem toxicology cases, 0.92% tested positive for gabapentin, and 6.37% for pregabalin. Detection rates increased for both gabapentin (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.48, P < .001) and pregabalin (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11-1.48, P < .001) between 2013 and 2020. A total of 1901 cases (7.2%) tested positive for heroin/methadone; this sub-group had a higher detection rate for pregabalin (n = 528, 27.8%) and gabapentin (n = 41, 2.2%) over the study period, with a high burden of codetections for pregabalin with benzodiazepines (peaking at 37.3% in 2018), and pregabalin with prescription opioids (peaking at 28.9% in 2020). CONCLUSION This study raises concerns regarding the wide availability of pregabalin in Ireland, including a growing illicit supply, and the potential for serious harm arising from poly drug use involving pregabalin among people who use heroin or methadone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Durand
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife O'Kane
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julie Tierney
- Human Toxicology, The State Laboratory, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Mark Cronly
- Human Toxicology, The State Laboratory, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Kathleen E Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yvonne Kavanagh
- Chemical Analysis Discipline, Forensic Science Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eamon Keenan
- National Social Inclusion Office, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gráinne Cousins
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Montgomery C, Poole HM, Begley E, Abbasi Y. Taking the pain out of pain. Br J Pain 2023; 17:514-518. [PMID: 37969134 PMCID: PMC10642502 DOI: 10.1177/20494637231208167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen M Poole
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Emma Begley
- School of Psychology, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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Syed O, Jancic P, Fink AB, Knezevic NN. Drug Safety and Suicidality Risk of Chronic Pain Medications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1497. [PMID: 37895968 PMCID: PMC10609967 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is one of the main leading causes of disability in the world at present. A variety in the symptomatology, intensity and duration of this phenomenon has led to an ever-increasing demand of pharmacological treatment and relief. This demand for medication, ranging from well-known groups, such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines, to more novel drugs, was followed by a rise in safety concerns of such treatment options. The validity, frequency, and diversity of such concerns are discussed in this paper, as well as their possible effect on future prescription practices. A specific caution is provided towards the psychological safety and toll of these medications, regarding suicidality and suicidal ideation. Most significantly, this paper highlights the importance of pharmacovigilance and underscores the necessity of surveillance programs when considering chronic pain medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Syed
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (O.S.); (P.J.); (A.B.F.)
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Predrag Jancic
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (O.S.); (P.J.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Adam B. Fink
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (O.S.); (P.J.); (A.B.F.)
- Harborview Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (O.S.); (P.J.); (A.B.F.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Vasudeva A, Tripathi R. Pregabalin Dependence and Management in a 55-Year-Old Female with Chronic Low Back Pain. Cureus 2023; 15:e44085. [PMID: 37750123 PMCID: PMC10518057 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This case report explores the complexities of managing chronic pain and the subsequent development of pregabalin dependence in a 55-year-old female patient with a prior history of vertebral fracture. Over a period of 10 years, the patient relied on a combination of Aceclofenac and pregabalin to alleviate her pain. An alternative treatment approach was implemented, involving adjustments to medication dosages and gradual tapering. Throughout the treatment process, interdisciplinary collaboration played a pivotal role in addressing unexpected symptoms such as facial movements and neck swelling. This case report highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing pregabalin dependence in patients with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanyu Vasudeva
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur, IND
| | - Richa Tripathi
- Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur, IND
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Bonnet U, McAnally H. Gabapentinoids: condemned without sufficient evidence? THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 28:100629. [PMID: 37025421 PMCID: PMC10070123 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bonnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, D-44577 Castrop-Rauxel, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Heath McAnally
- Northern Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, LLC, Eagle River, AK, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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