Research
Public awareness and tighter prescribing restrictions linked to decline in pregabalin misuse
The Brief
- Pregabalin use and overdose in Australia have leveled off and declined since 2018, according to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health? No, the source does not name the journal, so this item is omitted.
- Per the source, the decline followed high-profile media coverage of harms, restrictions on prescriptions and supply, and new boxed warnings.
- The source contrasts Australia with many other developed countries, where rates did not show the same decline.
Why it matters
The study suggests that combined awareness campaigns, prescribing restrictions and boxed warnings may be associated with reduced misuse of a widely prescribed drug, which is relevant to drug policy and prescribing practice.
Who’s affected
- public health researchers and pharmacoepidemiologists
- clinicians who prescribe pregabalin
- drug policy makers
- #pregabalin
- #drug misuse
- #prescribing policy
- #public health
- #australia
Unlike in many other developed countries, rates of pregabalin use and overdose have leveled off and declined in Australia since 2018 following high-profile media coverage of harms, restrictions on prescriptions and supply, and new boxed warnings, finds a study published by The…