Opioid analgesics prescribing trends 2010–2019 in Slovenia: National database study

Abstract

ObjectiveSignificant increases in global opioid use have been reported in recent decades. This study analyzed opioid utilization in outpatient care in Slovenia between 2010 and 2019.MethodsThis retrospective cross‐sectional study performed a nationwide database analysis of all outpatient opioid analgesic prescriptions based on Slovenian health insurance claims data. Prevalence was defined as the number of recipients prescribed at least one opioid per 1000 inhabitants. Opioid consumption was presented as the total number of dispensed prescriptions per 1000 inhabitants and dispensed defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants for each year analyzed.ResultsThe age‐standardized prevalence of opioid recipients decreased by 21.5% during the study period. Total opioid consumption decreased both in the number of prescriptions (−9.2%) and DDD (−5.4%). Tramadol consumption decreased in terms of the number of prescriptions (−12.2%) and DDD (−2.7%), whereas prescriptions for strong opioids increased (10.2%) and DDDs decreased (−16.2%). The results suggest less intensive prescribing of strong opioids and more intensive prescribing for tramadol. The most frequently used strong opioids were fentanyl and oxycodone/naloxone.ConclusionsThe prevalence of opioid recipients and opioid consumption is decreasing in Slovenia. Further research is needed to understand whether this finding reflects safe use or underuse of these important analgesics.