Oxycodone-related deaths in Sweden 2006-2018

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Public Health
• Pharmacovigilance

Background:

• Oxycodone prescriptions and related deaths have increased in Sweden.
• Oxycodone-related deaths constitute a significant portion of all opioid-related fatalities.
• Understanding the demographics and contributing factors of these deaths is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize oxycodone-related deaths in Sweden between 2006 and 2018.
• To compare these deaths with those involving other opioids.
• To analyze factors contributing to oxycodone-related fatalities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of forensic autopsy and toxicology data from 2006-2018.
• Multinomial logistic regression to compare demographic and clinical factors.
• Comparison of oxycodone-related deaths with deaths involving other opioids.

Main Results:

• 575 oxycodone-related deaths identified; the rate increased from 0.10 to 1.12 per 100,000.
• Oxycodone-related deaths represented 10.0% of all opioid-related deaths.
• Deaths predominantly involved older patients prescribed oxycodone, with frequent co-presence of benzodiazepines (70%) and alcohol (45%).

Conclusions:

• Oxycodone-related deaths in Sweden increased significantly from 2006-2018, mirroring prescription trends.
• The rise in deaths is mainly observed in older, pain-prescribed oxycodone patients.
• Specific interventions may be required to mitigate oxycodone-related deaths, distinct from those for illicit opioid use-related deaths.