Trends in utilization of tramadol and other opioids in Denmark
2017-2023: a nationwide drug utilization study
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.