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Isoardi KZ, Isbister GK. Opioid poisoning in Newcastle over the last three decades: From heroin to prescription opioids. Emerg Med Australas 2023; 35:946-952. [PMID: 37415078 PMCID: PMC10947284 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14272] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Opioid-related harm has risen in recent decades, but limited research describes the clinical burden of opioid poisoning to Australian EDs. We aimed to investigate hospital presentations with opioid poisoning over three decades. METHODS This is an observational series of prospectively collected data investigating presentations of opioid poisoning to an ED in Newcastle (1990-2021). Type of opioid, naloxone administration, intubation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay and death were extracted from the unit's database. RESULTS There were 4492 presentations in 3574 patients (median age 36, 57.7% female), increasing from an average of 93 presentations annually in the first decade to 199 in the third decade. Deliberate self-poisonings accounted for 3694 presentations (82.2%). Heroin dominated the 1990s, peaking in 1999 before decreasing. Prescription opioids then rose, with codeine (usually in paracetamol combination) predominating until 2018, after which oxycodone presentations exceeded them. Methadone consistently increased from six presentations annually in the first decade to 16 in the last decade. Naloxone was administered in 990 (22.0%) presentations and 266 (5.9%) were intubated, most frequently following methadone and heroin exposures. ICU admissions increased from 5% in 1990 to 16% in 2021. Codeine exposures resulted in less severe effects, whereas methadone had more severe effects overall. The median length of stay was 17 h (interquartile range 9-27 h). There were 28 deaths (0.6%). CONCLUSION Opioid presentations increased in number and severity over three decades as the type of opioid changed. Oxycodone is currently the main opioid of concern. Methadone poisoning was the most severe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Z Isoardi
- Clinical Toxicology Research GroupThe University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research GroupThe University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Clinical ToxicologyCalvary Mater NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
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Mathias R, Howes B, Cock V, Cock C. Reduced gastrointestinal-related hospitalisation costs following rescheduling of over-the-counter codeine-containing compound analgesics in Australia: results of a single hospital audit in South Australia. Intern Med J 2023; 53:2240-2246. [PMID: 37029690 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Codeine-containing compound analgesics (CCCAs) are associated with dependence and, when taken in excess, significant risks of harm. A previous audit showed significant costs related to admissions for gastrointestinal (GI) complications of CCCA. Based on this and other evidence of harm, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration changed CCCAs to prescription only in 2018. AIMS We aimed to identify the costs associated with codeine-related GI complications and whether the schedule change in 2018 led to a reduced clinical and financial strain on the health care system. METHODS We conducted an audit of GI admissions and associated costs of CCCAs at a tertiary teaching hospital in Adelaide between 2016 and 2020. Patients were grouped by 2-year time periods before (group 1) and following (group 2) schedule change. Costs for the index presentation were multiplied for subsequent presentations. Costs and outcomes were compared for groups (standard statistics; P value < 0.05 significant.) RESULTS: Three hundred forty patients (group 1, n = 164; group 2, n = 119) were identified, with the majority of these admitted due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) only. For CCCAs (NSAID-containing), the same patients were admitted repeatedly with a reduction from 31 to eight admissions (P = 0.005), following rescheduling. The total cost of CCCA admissions was reduced from AU$ 561 691 for group 1 to AU$ 261 764 for group 2 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Australian rescheduling of CCCAs in 2018 resulted in a reduction in hospital admissions and costs related to GI complications. The cost savings, even in a single hospital department, were substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Mathias
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Bejamin Howes
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Victoria Cock
- Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Charles Cock
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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3
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Holford A, Martin C, Staib A, Harris K, Isoardi KZ. Introduction of QScript real-time prescription monitoring system was associated with a fall in pregabalin poisoning presentations to a clinical toxicology unit. Emerg Med Australas 2023; 35:879-881. [PMID: 37592758 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of QScript implementation on pregabalin-related poisoning presentations to the ED. METHODS This is a retrospective review of pregabalin-related poisoning presentations to a tertiary Australian ED in the 4 years prior to, and 1 year following the introduction of QScript real-time prescription monitoring system. RESULTS Pregabalin-related poisoning presentations fell by 28% from an average of 98 presentations annually over the 4 years prior to QScript implementation to 71 in 2022. The severity of poisonings was similar over the periods. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of QScript was associated with a reduction in pregabalin-related poisoning presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Holford
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher Martin
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Staib
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Keith Harris
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katherine Z Isoardi
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Noghrehchi F, Cairns R, Buckley NA. Hospital admissions for paracetamol poisoning declined following codeine re-scheduling in Australia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 116:104040. [PMID: 37116402 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Codeine was restricted to prescription only in Australia in 2018. This intervention aimed to reduce harms from codeine dependance and use, including toxicity from co-formulated paracetamol. We aimed to quantify the impact of this intervention on paracetamol poisoning hospital admissions in a national hospital admissions database. METHODS We analyzed the number of paracetamol overdoses resulting in hospital admissions from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Hospital Morbidity Database, January 2011 to June 2020. We used interrupted time series analysis to quantify the effect of codeine re-scheduling on the monthly number of paracetamol poisoning-related hospital admissions in Australia. We compared paracetamol poisonings with no opioid combinations, and poisonings with probable paracetamol-codeine combinations. RESULTS There was an immediate and sustained decrease (level shift) in the number of paracetamol poisoning-related hospital admissions following codeine re-scheduling (RR=0.85; 95% CI 0.80-0.89). This reduction was due to the decrease in poisonings with likely paracetamol-codeine combinations (RR=0.62; 95% CI 0.57-0.67) while there was no change in other paracetamol poisonings (RR=0.91; 95% CI 0.96-1.01). CONCLUSION Codeine re-scheduling in Australia appears to have reduced paracetamol poisoning-related hospital admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firouzeh Noghrehchi
- Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology Research Group, Discipline of Biomedical Informatics & Digital Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Rose Cairns
- NSW Poisons Information Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia; Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Buckley
- Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology Research Group, Discipline of Biomedical Informatics & Digital Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia; NSW Poisons Information Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
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Tscharke BJ, O'Brien JW, Ahmed F, Nguyen L, Ghetia M, Chan G, Thai P, Gerber C, Bade R, Mueller J, Thomas KV, White J, Hall W. A wastewater-based evaluation of the effectiveness of codeine control measures in Australia. Addiction 2023; 118:480-488. [PMID: 36367203 PMCID: PMC10099390 DOI: 10.1111/add.16083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM From 1 February 2018, codeine was rescheduled from an over-the-counter (OTC) to a prescription-only medicine in Australia. We used wastewater-based epidemiology to measure changes in population codeine consumption before and after rescheduling. METHODS We analysed 3703 wastewater samples from 48 wastewater treatment plants, taken between August 2016 and August 2019. Our samples represented 10.6 million people, 45% of the Australian population in state capitals and regional areas in each state or territory. Codeine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and converted to per-capita consumption estimates using the site daily wastewater volume, catchment populations and codeine excretion kinetics. RESULTS Average per-capita consumption of codeine decreased by 37% nationally immediately after the rescheduling in February 2018 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 35.3-39.4%] and substantially in all states between 24 and 51% (95% CI = 22.4-27.0% and 41.8-59.4%). The decrease was sustained at the lower level to August 2019. Locations with least pharmacy access decreased by 51% (95% CI = 41.7-61.7%), a greater decrease than 37% observed for those with greater pharmacy access (95% CI = 35.1-39.4%). Regional areas decreased by a smaller margin to cities (32 versus 38%, 95% CI = 30.2-34.1% versus 34.9-40.4%, respectively) from a base per-capita usage approximately 40% higher than cities. CONCLUSION Wastewater analysis shows that codeine consumption in Australia decreased by approximately 37% following its rescheduling as a prescription-only medicine in 2018. Wastewater-based epidemiology can be used to evaluate changes in population pharmaceutical consumption in responses to changes in drug scheduling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fahad Ahmed
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lynn Nguyen
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Maulik Ghetia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gary Chan
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Phong Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cobus Gerber
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Richard Bade
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jochen Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason White
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Lam T, Hayman J, Berecki‐Gisolf J, Sanfilippo P, Lubman DI, Nielsen S. Pharmaceutical opioid poisonings in Victoria, Australia: Rates and characteristics of a decade of emergency department presentations among nine pharmaceutical opioids. Addiction 2022; 117:623-636. [PMID: 34338377 PMCID: PMC9292229 DOI: 10.1111/add.15653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pharmaceutical opioids are a significant contributor to the global 'opioid crisis', yet few studies have comprehensively distinguished between opioid types. We measured whether a range of common pharmaceutical opioids varied in their contribution to the rates and characteristics of harm in a population-wide indicator of non-fatal overdose. DESIGN Retrospective observational study of emergency department (ED) patient care records in the Victorian Emergency Minimum Data set (VEMD), July 2009 to June 2019. SETTING Victoria, Australia. CASES ED presentations for non-fatal overdose related to pharmaceutical opioid use (n = 5403), where the specific pharmaceutical opioid was documented. MEASUREMENTS We compared harms across the nine individual pharmaceutical opioids most commonly sold, and considered where multiple opioids contributed to the overdose. We calculated supply-adjusted rates of ED presentations using Poisson regression and used multinomial logistic regression to compare demographic and clinical characteristics of presentations among nine distinct pharmaceutical opioids and a 10th category where multiple opioids were documented for the presentation. FINDINGS There were wide differences, up to 27-fold, between supply-adjusted rates of overdose. When considering presentations with sole opioids, the highest supply-adjusted overdose rates [per 100 000 oral morphine equivalents (OME); 95% confidence interval (CI)] were for codeine (OME = 0.078, 95% CI = 0.073-0.08) and oxycodone (OME =0.029, 95% CI = 0.027-0.030) and the lowest were for tapentadol (OME = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.003-0.006) and fentanyl (OME = 0.003, 95% CI = 0.002-0.004). These rates appeared related to availability rather than opioid potency. Most (62%) poisonings involved females. Codeine, oxycodone and tramadol were associated with younger presentations (respectively, 59.5%, 41.7% and 49.8% of presentations were 12-34 years old), and intentional self-harm (respectively 65.2%, 50.6%, and 52.8% of presentations). Relative to morphine, fentanyl [ 0.32 relative risk ratio (RRR)] and methadone ( 0.58 RRR) presentations were less likely to be coded as self-harm. Relative to morphine-buprenorphine, codeine, oxycodone and tramadol presentations were significantly more likely to be associated with the less urgent triage categories (respectively 2.18, 1.80, 1.52, 1.65 RRR). CONCLUSIONS In Victoria, Australia, rates and characteristics of emergency department presentations for pharmaceutical opioids show distinct variations by opioid type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Lam
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityFrankstonVICAustralia
| | - Jane Hayman
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityFrankstonVICAustralia,Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit, Monash University Accident Research CentreMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Janneke Berecki‐Gisolf
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityFrankstonVICAustralia,Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit, Monash University Accident Research CentreMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Paul Sanfilippo
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityFrankstonVICAustralia,Turning PointEastern HealthRichmondVICAustralia
| | - Dan I. Lubman
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityFrankstonVICAustralia,Turning PointEastern HealthRichmondVICAustralia
| | - Suzanne Nielsen
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityFrankstonVICAustralia,Turning PointEastern HealthRichmondVICAustralia
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Jordan M, Latif A, Mullan J, Chen TF. Opioid medicines management in primary care settings: A scoping review of quantitative studies of pharmacist activities. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:4504-4533. [PMID: 34041786 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To undertake a scoping review of pharmacist activities in opioid medicines management in primary care settings, including those developed or led by pharmacists, or in which pharmacists were members of broader multidisciplinary teams, and to collate the activities, models of care and settings, and reported outcomes. The bibliographic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science were searched. Studies with quantitative evaluation and published in English were eligible. Participants were patients with any pain category or an opioid use disorder, and healthcare providers. Studies originating in hospitals or involving supply functions were not included. Screening of literature and data charting of results were undertaken by two researchers. The 51 studies included in the scoping review occurred in primary care settings collated into four categories: general practice or primary care clinics, healthcare organisations, community pharmacies and outreach services. Studies were primarily of opioid use in chronic, noncancer pain. Other indications were opioid use disorder, cancer and dental pain. Pharmacist activities targeted risk mitigation, patient and provider education and broader, strategic approaches. Patient-related outcomes included reduced opioid load, improved functionality and symptom management, enhanced access to services and medication-assisted treatments, and engagement in risk-mitigation strategies. Behaviour change of providers was demonstrated. The review has identified the significant contribution that pharmacists working in primary care settings can make to minimise harm from opioids. Strategies implemented in isolation have the potential to further reduce adverse clinical outcomes with greater collaboration and coordination, such as opioid stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Jordan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Asam Latif
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Judy Mullan
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.,Illawarra & Southern Practice Research Network, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Timothy F Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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8
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Elphinston RA, Connor JP, de Andrade D, Hipper L, Freeman C, Chan G, Sterling M. Impact of a policy change restricting access to codeine on prescription opioid-related emergency department presentations: an interrupted time series analysis. Pain 2021; 162:1095-1103. [PMID: 33086287 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Codeine is one of the most commonly used opioid analgesics. Significant codeine-related morbidity and mortality prompted regulatory responses, with the up-scheduling of codeine combination analgesics to prescription-only medicines implemented in Australia in February 2018. This study investigated the impact of codeine up-scheduling on the number of codeine and other (noncodeine) prescription opioid-related emergency department (ED) presentations in a large metropolitan tertiary hospital. Clinical features of these presentations were also examined. Interrupted time series analyses assessed monthly changes in ED presentations from June 2016 to November 2019. In the month immediately after up-scheduling, there was a significant reduction of 3.97 codeine-related presentations (B = -3.97, P = 0.022), indicating a 29.66% level change, followed by a significant change in trend to fewer monthly codeine-related presentations (B = -0.38, P = 0.005). Noncodeine prescription opioid-related (B = -1.90, P = 0.446) and ED presentations overall (B = -118.04, P = 0.140) remained unchanged immediately post-up-scheduling, with a significant change in trend from upward to downward for noncodeine (B = -0.76; P = 0.002) and ED presentations overall (B = -19.34, P = 0.022). A significant reduction of 4.58 (B = -4.58, P = 0.009) in codeine presentations involving subsequent hospital admission immediately post-up-scheduling was found; but no immediate reduction in codeine-related suicide-related overdoses, length of inpatient stay, or re-presentations (P > 0.0125; adjusted for multiple comparisons). Restricting supply of codeine to prescription-only may have resulted in less harmful codeine-related use in the community, without a corresponding immediate decrease in other opioid-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Elphinston
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Addiction and Mental Health Service, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Road Traffic Injury Recovery, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason P Connor
- Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- National Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dominique de Andrade
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Linda Hipper
- Addiction and Mental Health Service, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Freeman
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gary Chan
- National Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michele Sterling
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Road Traffic Injury Recovery, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Outcomes associated with scheduling or up-scheduling controlled substances. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 91:103110. [PMID: 33476862 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many nations place drugs into various "schedules" according to their risk of abuse and/or recognized medical value that vary in terms of their restrictions. To mitigate diversion or abuse, drugs sometimes get rescheduled or are scheduled for the first time. Until now, there have not been efforts to integrate lessons from across the range of such past events. METHODS AND DATA We searched for peer-reviewed evaluations of instances of (re-)scheduling drugs in the United States after 1969 and a comparably large set of instances from other countries. Those 109 articles were supplemented by 30 others found in other ways but not meeting those search criteria (e.g., because the information on rescheduling was a minor part of a more general article). FINDINGS Findings are reported for many outcomes and with diverse measures over different timelines, making standardization of outcomes difficult. For more than half of the events for which quantitative outcomes were reported, there were declines in use-related measures by at least 40 percent. It is common for there to be reports of increases in indicators pertaining to other substances, sometimes more dangerous but sometimes less dangerous; overall, substitution appears to occur, but be partial. CONCLUSION Scheduling and up-scheduling can - though does not always - have substantial effects on a range of outcomes. Substitution to other substances is a possibility and so should be anticipated.
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10
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Deluca P, Foley M, Dunne J, Kimergård A. The Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) for Codeine: Preliminary Investigation of the Psychometric Properties of the SDS in an Online Sample of Codeine Users From the UK. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:595706. [PMID: 33868038 PMCID: PMC8047057 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.595706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Investigate the psychometric properties of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) for codeine and its association with aberrant codeine related behaviors. Design: A voluntary and uncompensated cross-sectional online survey. Setting: Online population (≥18 years). Respondents: Two hundred and eighty-six respondents (66% women) who had used codeine containing medicines in the last 3 months and were living in the UK. Results: Of the respondents (mean age = 35.4 years, SD = 12.5), more than half were employed. Only 3.5% respondents reported no income. The majority of respondents (45.1%) primarily obtained prescription-only codeine from a consultation with a health professional, whilst 40.9% mainly purchased "over-the-counter" codeine containing medicines in a pharmacy without a medical prescription. Principal component analysis indicated a single factor solution accounting for 75% of the variance. Factor loadings ranged from 0.83 to 0.89. Cronbach's Alpha was high (α = 0.92). Several behaviors relating to codeine use were found to significantly predict probable codeine dependence. These included: daily codeine use in the last 3 months (OR = 66.89, 95% CI = 15.8-283.18); tolerance to codeine (OR = 32.14, 95% CI = 13.82-74.75); problems with role responsibility due to intoxication (OR = 9.89, 95% CI = 4.95-19.78); having sought advice on the internet to manage codeine use (OR = 9.56, 95% CI = 4.5-20.31); history of alcohol or drug treatment (OR = 3.73, 95% CI = 1.88-7.43). Conclusions: The SDS was acceptable and feasible to use to assess probable psychological codeine dependence in an online sample of people using codeine containing medicines. SDS scores were associated with behaviors known to be indicators of codeine dependence. Studies are needed in well-defined populations of people who use codeine to test the different aspects of psychometry of the scale compared against "gold standard" criterion [a diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)].
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Deluca
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Foley
- School of Health Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Jacklyn Dunne
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Kimergård
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Misuse of opioid analgesics and other psychoactive medicines is a serious and increasing problem in Australia. Measures are being taken to try and prevent this progressing to a public health crisis like the opioid overdose epidemic seen in the USA One measure is real-time prescription monitoring. This provides real-time information about the patient’s supply of psychoactive medicines which have a high risk of being misused Having identified a patient at risk, many factors may delay appropriate management or result in the patient being discharged from care. These factors include subconscious negative stereotyping, a focus on preventing ‘doctor shoppers’ diverting psychoactive medicines, and a fear of sanction by regulators The Medical Board of Australia provides guidance about good practice. Patients should be treated with respect, free from bias and discrimination, and without prejudicing care because of the belief that their behaviour has contributed to their problems
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12
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Dobbin MD. From over‐the‐counter to prescription only: early results of the rescheduling of codeine combination analgesics. Med J Aust 2020; 212:305-306. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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