opiates: elderly more likely to continue taking opiates
An Australian study assessed the 5-year trajectory for continued opiate use after initiating opiate therapy, finding that older persons were more likely to continue using opiates (see opioid use older people more likely to continue JAMA2023 in dropbox, or doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.28159) Details: -- 3.57 million people were evaluated who initiated opiates from July 2013 to December 2018 but continued opiate use for at least 12 months afterwards, in a population-based study (the POPPY II study, with a database of 7.9 million people) -- a 10% random sample was accessed, utilizing Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to evaluate continuing opiate prescriptions (Australia has a universal health care system, with inclusive databases for prescription meds) -- opiates dispensed included: buprenorphine, codeine, dextropropoxyphene, fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, oxycodone, pethi...