THERE is a concerning increase in new opioid prescriptions among younger people in Victoria, according to new research from Monash University.
However, the overall number of opioid scripts is decreasing, as is the number of people being prescribed opioid medications for longer periods of time.
The researchers analysed opioid prescribing rates between 2017 and 2022 using records from over 500 GP practices across regional and metropolitan Victoria, providing insight into the impact of recent PBS measures designed to reduce rising opioid-related harms, including overdose.
They found a general decrease in opioid prescribing by GPs, but identified a 69% increase in new opioid prescription rates for Victorians aged 15 to 24.
Deputy Director of Monash Addiction Research Centre, Professor Suzanne Nielsen, said it is not clear why younger populations are seeing increased opioid prescriptions and that the trend needed further investigation.
The researchers also found that while prescription rates decreased for most opioids, the number of prescriptions for tapentadol surged by 263%.
Another of the positive findings was a decline in the number of people being prescribed opioids for extended periods of time, with the proportion still being prescribed opioids three months after their initial prescription falling from 5.4% in 2018 to 3.6% in 2022.
The most disadvantaged groups saw a 12% decrease in opioid prescriptions, while the least disadvantaged saw a 6% increase.
Regional and remote areas had the highest rates of opioid prescribing and new prescription rates, although the researchers noted these rates decreased significantly over the study period.
"We know opioids are important for pain management, and we want to see them used wisely," Professor Nielsen said.
"Seeing these overall reductions in developing long-term use, and less reliance on opioids overall, is positive," she added.
Professor Nielsen said other demographic trends suggested the need for targeted interventions to ensure opioids are available when clinically needed, and equitably across all groups and geographical regions, while minimising the risk of harm. KB
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