Trends in the number of patients linked to potential vet-shopping behavior in the United States (2014-2019).

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To estimate the number of patients linked to vet-shopping behavior (the solicitation of controlled substance prescriptions from multiple veterinarians for misuse) in the United States using 2014-2019 data and characterize mandates for veterinarians to examine prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) before prescribing controlled substances as of April 2021.

Sample

National database reporting prescription dispensing from 92% of US pharmacies from 2014 through 2019.

Procedures

The annual number of patients with dispensed prescriptions for opioid analgesics, opioid cough-and-cold medications, or benzodiazepines from ≥ 4 veterinarians was calculated. State veterinary medical associations were contacted for information on veterinarian PDMP use mandates.

R

SUBMITTER: Chua KP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8844207 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature