22 March 2016 - The aim of this study was to investigate 25-year trends in community use of prescribed opioid analgesics in Australia, and to map these trends against major changes to opioid registration and subsidy.

Opioid utilisation in Australia is increasing, although these figures remain below levels reported in the US and Canada. The increased use of opioids was largely driven by the subsidy of long-acting formulations and opioids for the treatment of non-cancer pain.

For more details, go to: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12937/abstract?campaign=wolacceptedarticle