Pharmacy Daily | Opioid use up fourfold

WHILE the use of opioid analgesic use more than doubled worldwide in the decade to 2013, the use of common opioid painkillers such as codeine, morphine and oxycodone has more than quadrupled in Australia in the same period, according to research published this week in the Lancet. Impediments to access and use were described as an absence of training and awareness in medical professionals, fear of dependence, financial limitations, sourcing concerns, cultural attitudes, fear of diversion, international trade controls, and burdensome regulation. The study demonstrated that measured use was low in Africa, Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and eastern and southeastern Europe, the authors calling for management of the impediments to access, especially where there were large numbers of cancer patients needing pain relief. “Ensuring access does not necessarily mean increased abuse and diversion, but it is necessary to maintain a balance between control on the one hand, and overly liberal availability on the other,” the authors said. The study was funded by the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board and included input from Professor Richard Mattick of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW Australia. Mattick said, “The ageing populations and greater care for chronic non-cancer pain are likely drivers of increased use in high income countries.” He added that in a developed society, health regulations and infrastructure generally contribute to greater access and higher use.

---

The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 05 Feb 16
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 05 Feb 16