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Trends in utilization of tramadol and other opioids in Denmark 2017-2023: a nationwide drug utilization study
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  • Lotte Rasmussen,
  • Martin Ernst,
  • Solveig Forberg,
  • Anton Pottegard,
  • Jens Søndergaard,
  • Anne Mette Sørensen
Lotte Rasmussen
University of Southern Denmark
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Martin Ernst
University of Southern Denmark, Department of Clinical Pharmacology JB Winsløws Vej 19 Odense, DK 5000
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Solveig Forberg
Health Promotion and Inequality, Danish Health Authority, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Anton Pottegard
University of Southern Denmark
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Jens Søndergaard
Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark
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Anne Mette Sørensen

Corresponding Author:annemetteskov1@gmail.com

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Abstract

The use of tramadol and other opioids for pain management has been accompanied by a multitude of challenges and concerns worldwide. The use of tramadol saw a decline in Denmark during 2017-2019 accompanied by a slight increase in the use of morphine and oxycodone. Using the Danish National Prescription Registry and utilizing data until and including 2023, we aimed to provide updated data on the utilization patterns of tramadol and other opioids in Denmark. We found a 35% decline in the use of tramadol from 2017-2023 most likely due to media attention, regulatory actions, health campaigns, and targeted education of physicians and patients by the Danish health authorities. This decline was accompanied by an increase in the number of new (+90%) and current users of morphine (+57%) which surpassed those of tramadol, oxycodone, and other opioids in 2023.
30 Jul 2024Submitted to British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
30 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
30 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
30 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
31 Oct 20241st Revision Received