BACKGROUND: Although awareness of the misuse of medicines is increasing, data on the extent of the problem in the European Union (EU) are lacking. METHODS: In order to assess the magnitude and severity of the problem, a systematic review of the literature on the misuse of analgesics, opioid substitution medicines and sedatives/hypnotics (with the exception of benzodiazepines) was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Relevant literature was identified between 2001 and 2011. RESULTS: The main groups of misused medicines include opioid analgesics, methadone, buprenorphine and Z-drugs. Regional trends in medicine misuse indicate heterogeneity across the EU with respect to misused medicine types and research activities. Prevalence, high-risk populations and factors contributing to medicine misuse are discussed. CONCLUSION: The implications of these findings for prevention, treatment, and policy in the EU are considered.
BACKGROUND: Although awareness of the misuse of medicines is increasing, data on the extent of the problem in the European Union (EU) are lacking. METHODS: In order to assess the magnitude and severity of the problem, a systematic review of the literature on the misuse of analgesics, opioid substitution medicines and sedatives/hypnotics (with the exception of benzodiazepines) was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Relevant literature was identified between 2001 and 2011. RESULTS: The main groups of misused medicines include opioid analgesics, methadone, buprenorphine and Z-drugs. Regional trends in medicine misuse indicate heterogeneity across the EU with respect to misused medicine types and research activities. Prevalence, high-risk populations and factors contributing to medicine misuse are discussed. CONCLUSION: The implications of these findings for prevention, treatment, and policy in the EU are considered.
Authors: Bianca Blanch; Nicholas A Buckley; Leigh Mellish; Andrew H Dawson; Paul S Haber; Sallie-Anne Pearson Journal: Drug Saf Date: 2015-06 Impact factor: 5.606
Authors: V Pauly; M Lapeyre-Mestre; D Braunstein; M Rueter; X Thirion; E Jouanjus; J Micallef Journal: Eur J Clin Pharmacol Date: 2014-11-20 Impact factor: 2.953
Authors: Benjamin C Sun; Nicoleta Lupulescu-Mann; Christina J Charlesworth; Hyunjee Kim; Daniel M Hartung; Richard A Deyo; K John McConnell Journal: Ann Emerg Med Date: 2017-11-24 Impact factor: 5.721