High correlations between levels of consumption and mortality related to strong prescription opioid analgesics in British Columbia and Ontario, 2005-2009.

摘要: Purpose Prescription opioid analgesic (POA)-related burden of disease – including mortality is high and constitutes a major public health problem in the US Canada. Associations between overall levels POA consumption key related morbidity indicators population have been demonstrated. We examined potential correlations four commonly used POAs British Columbia (BC) Ontario. Methods We investigated correlation annual standardized rates fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine oxycodone-related (based on provincial coroners' data) Defined Daily Doses per 1000 population/day for each drugs dispensed representative retail pharmacy sales two provinces, 2005-2009. Results Death increased three (Ontario) drugs; rate deaths drug was consistently higher jurisdiction with use levels. For drug, strong (range 0.83 to 0.97; p < 0.003) were found levels; consistent within-province (hydromorphone oxycodone). Conclusions Our findings select reflect similar evidence from elsewhere or indicators. In context increasing Canada, efforts reduce POA-related may require comprehensively revised approach towards more appropriate safer prescribing volumes together effective monitoring medications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.