A drug utilization study will be performed to describe trends in the number of prescriptions and patients for class REMS ER/LA opioids and comparator products.
A drug utilization study will be performed to describe trends in the number of prescriptions and patients for class REMS ER/LA opioids and comparator products. The specific objectives of the Drug Utilization Study are: 1. To estimate trends by month in the number of prescriptions for a one-year period before, and each month after, the implementation of the REMS 2. To compare average number of prescriptions per 3 month (quarter) period in the 2 years before as compared to the same measure during Implementation and the Active Period 3. To evaluate change by patient characteristics (age group, gender, pay type, prescriber specialty) 4. To compare the trends in prescribing, both number of prescriptions and patients, by prescriber specialty These trends and changes over time will be estimated for the following groups of opioids: * ER/LA opioids included in the class REMS * Comparator products/classes * Immediate release (IR) opioids * Celecoxib * Benzodiazepines 5. To show switches (absolute and rates of switching) from ER/LA opioids to comparator analgesics (IR opioids or celecoxib) with introduction of REMS
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
5,575,834
Number of opioid prescriptions filled
Time frame: Monthly over 54 months
Compare average number of prescriptions per time period in the 2 years before as compared to the same measure in implementation and active periods
Time frame: Pre REMS Implementation (July 10-June 12)
Compare trends in prescribing, both number of prescriptions and patients, by prescriber specialty
Time frame: Pre REMS Implementation (July 10-June 12)
Number and Rate of Switches from ER/ LA opioids to comparator analgesics with introduction of REMS
Time frame: Monthly over 54 months
Compare average number of prescriptions per time period in the 2 years before as compared to the same measure in implementation and active periods
Time frame: Implementation (July 12-June 13)
Compare average number of prescriptions per time period in the 2 years before as compared to the same measure in implementation and active periods
Time frame: Active Period (July 13-Dec 14)
Compare trends in prescribing, both number of prescriptions and patients, by prescriber specialty
Time frame: Implementation (July 12-June 13)
Compare trends in prescribing, both number of prescriptions and patients, by prescriber specialty
Time frame: Active Period (July 13-Dec 14)
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