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Papers of the Week


Papers: 24 Aug 2019 - 30 Aug 2019


Pharmacology/Drug Development


2019


PLoS One


14


8

Opioid prescription patterns in Germany and the global opioid epidemic: Systematic review of available evidence.

Authors

Rosner B, Neicun J, Yang J C, Roman-Urrestarazu A
PLoS One. 2019; 14(8):e0221153.
PMID: 31461466.

Abstract

Opioids are one of the most important and effective drug classes in pain medicine with a key role in most medical fields. The increase of opioid prescription over time has led to higher numbers of prescription opioid misuse, abuse and opioid-related deaths in most developed OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries around the world. Whilst reliable data on the prevalence of opioid treatment is accessible for many countries, data on Germany specifically is still scarce. Considering Germany being the largest country in the European Union, the lack of evidence-based strategies from long-term studies is crucial. The aim of this work is to review and summarise relevant published literature on the prevalence of opioid prescription in Germany to adequately inform health policy strategies.