Evolution of opioids reimbursement since 2004 from the National Database of the General Health Insurance System.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims at evaluating trends in the consumption of opioids over the last years to assess the impact of public health measures on the management of pain and opiate addiction in France.

METHODS

The evolution of opioids consumption was analysed by using the national database of the General Health Insurance System in France between 2004 and 2008.

RESULTS

During the study period, the reimbursed quantities of opioids used for pain management have increased by 13%, except for dextropropoxyphene that has decreased by 9%. The reimbursed quantities of opioids used for substitution maintenance treatments for opioid dependence have increased by 34%, with a 116% increase for methadone.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that consumption of opioids is globally increasing in France and reveals discrepancies concerning the evolution of the different drugs. It allows to analyse switches of consumption between different opioids and constitutes the first step for further studies targetting signals of diversion and abuse.