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Patterns of gabapentinoid use among long-term opioid users
Jordan Westra1, Mukaila Raji2, Jacques Baillargeon3
1Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
Preventive Medicine
|June 19, 2024
Summary
Gabapentinoid use among long-term opioid users increased significantly, with Hispanic ethnicity and specific pain types linked to higher prescribing rates. Older age and Medicare entitlement due to old age were associated with decreased use, highlighting prescribing disparities.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Pharmacovigilance
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Gabapentinoids are frequently prescribed for pain management.
- Understanding prescribing patterns is crucial for optimizing patient care and safety.
- Long-term opioid users represent a key population for studying gabapentinoid utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine trends and predictors of gabapentinoid use among long-term opioid users.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with gabapentinoid prescribing.
- To inform clinical practice and guide future research on gabapentinoid effectiveness and safety.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a national Medicare sample from 2014-2020.
- Inclusion of long-term opioid users with no prior gabapentinoid use.
- Logistic regression to assess associations with year, demographics, health status, and opioid usage.
Main Results:
- Gabapentinoid use rose from 12.6% (2014) to 16.8% (2019) among long-term opioid users.
- Hispanic ethnicity, back pain, nerve pain, and higher opioid MME were associated with increased gabapentinoid use.
- Older age and Medicare entitlement due to old age were associated with decreased gabapentinoid use.
Conclusions:
- Gabapentinoid prescribing varies by socio-demographics and insurance, indicating potential disparities.
- Shared decision-making between patients and providers is needed to discuss pain therapy safety and effectiveness.
- Further research is warranted on the comparative effectiveness and safety of gabapentinoids for chronic non-cancer pain in diverse populations.
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