Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Sep 2016
Preparing a prescription drug monitoring program data set for research purposes.
To develop a complete and consistent prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data set for use by drug safety researchers in evaluating patterns of high-risk use and potential abuse of scheduled drugs. ⋯ Drug safety researchers who require a complete and consistent PDMP data set can use the methods described here to ensure that prescriptions of interest are assigned consistent drug categories and complete opioid risk variable values. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Aug 2016
Psychotropic drugs and risk of burn injury in individuals with mental illness: a 10-year population-based case-control study.
We aimed to investigate the association between psychotropic treatment and risk of burn injury in individuals with mental illness. ⋯ The results demonstrate an elevated risk of burn injury among individuals with current psychotropic use. The findings underscore the need for greater attention to be given to the cognitive performance and psychomotor abilities of individuals taking psychotropic medications in order to prevent the occurrence of burn injury. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Jul 2016
Characteristics of state prescription drug monitoring programs: a state-by-state survey.
Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are state-based data collection systems recording controlled substance medications. Currently, 49 states have PDMPs. There are discrepancies in reporting patterns, infrastructure, and oversight between programs. We characterized aspects of each state's PDMP. ⋯ Characteristics of PDMPs are heterogeneous throughout the country. Standardizing data capture, availability, and reporting would improve their usefulness for providers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Jun 2016
Trends in prescribing of sedative-hypnotic medications in the USA: 1993-2010.
Non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists (nBZRAs) were developed as an alternative to benzodiazepines (BZDs) to treat insomnia. Little is known about how the introduction of nBZRAs influenced trends in BZD prescribing. We examined BZD and nBZRA prescribing trends from 1993 to 2010. ⋯ There were increases in prescribing of nBZRAs between 1993 and 2010. Increases in prescribing of BZDs were also observed, especially after 2002. The introduction of nBZRAs likely resulted in declines in BZD prescribing among those with a sleep disorder, but not other groups. Delivery of behavioral treatments should be encouraged to avert adverse outcomes associated with sedative-hypnotic use. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · May 2016
Prescription opioid exposures and adverse outcomes among older adults.
A high prevalence of chronic pain and high rates of polypharmacy among older adults suggest that this age group may be particularly susceptible to unintentional misuse of prescription opioids. We examined recent trends in misuse of prescription opioids and associated medical outcomes among older-aged adults (60+ years) and compared the patterns with trends among younger-aged adults (20-59 years). ⋯ Recent increases in rates of misuse of prescription opioids and associated unfavorable medical outcomes among older adults have important implications as the USA undergoes a rapid expansion of its elderly population. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.