Pregabalin dispensing patterns in Amman-Jordan: An observational study from community pharmacies

Pregabalin is currently approved for the treatment of epilepsy, generalized anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. Rising attention to the abuse liability of pregabalin causing addictive behaviors is partially based on case reports and published literature of pregabalin used in dosages that override the approved therapeutic range. This study was conducted to provide background data regarding the abuse/misuse of pregabalin from community pharmacy in Jordan.

A prospective cross-sectional observational study design was used, which was conducted at different community pharmacies in Amman-Jordan. During the study period (November 2016-January 2017), a total 77 requests for pregabalin were observed from 14 pharmacies. A structured interview was conducted with all customers to gather information regarding their demographic and their request of pregabalin.

A total of 77 pregabalin requests form 77 customers in a community pharmacy setting were observed in this study. Spinal disc herniation was the most common complaint for which the customer asked for the medication (n = 27, 35.1%). Self-medication was the most frequent method of requesting pregabalin (n = 44, 57.1%), while a total of 33 customers (42.9%) asked for the product using a prescription. During the observation period the number of customers suspected of abusing pregabalin for non-medical reason was 35 (45.5%). A total of 33 out of the 35 suspected customers (94.3%) asked for the product without a prescription, and 19/35 weren't sold due to suspicion of abuse (54.3%).

The study underscores the need for regulatory efforts to manage pregabalin abuse, through the addition of pregabalin containing products to the controlled drug list which can't be purchased without a prescription. Also, pharmacists and customers must be educated at a community pharmacy level regarding potential hazards of pregabalin abuse.