Patterns of pregabalin prescribing in four German federal states: analysis of routine data to investigate potential misuse of pregabalin.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate the utilisation patterns of pregabalin, to identify users potentially misusing pregabalin and to compare this group of patients to patients prescribed recommended doses of pregabalin concerning their personal characteristics and the coordination among their prescribers. Unintended coprescription of drugs with addictive potential might occur when care is insufficiently coordinated.

Design

Secondary data analysis of linked data from three regional sickness funds in Germany (AOK) for the years 2014-2016.

Setting

Ambulatory and hospital care sector in four German federal states.

Methods

On the basis of routine data, patients who received at least three prescriptions of pregabalin were identified and classi

SUBMITTER: Flemming R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9328100 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature