Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Oct 2013
[Dispensing of benzodiazepines and Z drugs by Norwegian pharmacies 2004-2011].
In Norway, total sales of benzodiazepines and Z drugs (zopiclone and zolpidem) have increased since the mid-1990s. On the basis of data from the Norwegian Prescription Database, we have studied the choice of medications and patterns of use in various gender and age groups. ⋯ Prescribing of Z drugs to the elderly, and to women in particular, may indicate that many people in this group are regular users of sedative hypnotics, which is contrary to the guidelines. A considerable proportion of the prescriptions for clonazepam are outside of the approved indications. Among the users of the drugs studied, only a small fraction were heavy users, but since the use is widespread, this represents a considerable number of individuals.
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Dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban are three new oral anticoagulants that have recently been approved in Norway. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the mechanisms of action, the most important indications and practical advice on the use of these drugs. ⋯ It is important to limit the use of these drugs to approved indications, to select patients who show good compliance, to rule out contraindications and to identify drug interactions. Monitoring of coagulation is not required, but patients should be followed up regularly to detect conditions that may lead to changes in the expected efficacy or safety.