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Usefulness of prescription monitoring programs for surveillance—analysis of Schedule II opioid prescription data in Massachusetts, 1996–2006
Author(s) -
Katz Nathaniel,
Panas Lee,
Kim MeeLee,
Audet Adele D.,
Bilansky Arnold,
Eadie John,
Kreiner Peter,
Paillard Florence C,
Thomas Cindy,
Carrow Grant
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.023
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1099-1557
pISSN - 1053-8569
DOI - 10.1002/pds.1878
Subject(s) - medicine , medical prescription , pharmacy , oxycodone , pharmacoepidemiology , public health , postmarketing surveillance , family medicine , schedule , opioid , medical emergency , prescription drug misuse , emergency medicine , adverse effect , pharmacology , nursing , opioid use disorder , receptor , computer science , operating system
Purpose Electronic prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) have been developed in many states as a public health surveillance tool. We analyze herein 11 years of Massachusetts PMP data to evaluate trends in opioid prescribing, dispensing, and usage. Methods Prescription records from the Massachusetts PMP for Schedule II opioids from fiscal year 1996 to 2006 were analyzed. ‘Questionable activity’ (potential ‘doctor shopping’) estimates were based on individual use of multiple prescribers and pharmacies, and early refills. Results The number of prescriptions, doses prescribed, and individuals receiving Schedule II prescription opioids steadily increased from 1996 to 2006. Most individuals (87.5%) used 1–2 prescribers, 1–2 pharmacies, and had no early refills (2006). The greater the number of prescribers used, the greater the number of pharmacies used. When defined as the use of ≥4 prescribers and ≥4 pharmacies, questionable activity accounted for 2748 individuals, 47 953 prescriptions, and 2 966 056 doses (2006). The Schedule II opioid most highly associated with questionable activity was short‐acting oxycodone. Conclusions PMPs can become a useful public health surveillance tool to monitor the medical and non‐medical use of prescription opioids and to inform public health and safety policy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.