Trends in Postoperative Opioid Use in Norway 2011–2018: A Nationwide Registry‐Based Study

• DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.70040
• Publication Date: 2025-04-28T04:24:42Z
• Authors: Per‐Jostein Samue...; Vidar Hjellvik; Ingvild Odsbu; Audun Stubhaug; Svetlana Skurtveit; Sara Magelssen Va...
• Keywords: Norwegian

ABSTRACT Little is known about the overall trends in postoperative opioid use a Nordic setting. We investigated Norway between 2011 and 2018. linked Norwegian Prescription Database, Patient Registry, Cancer Registry of Cause Death Registry. Postoperative was defined as first dispensing per year within 14 days NOMESCO Classification Surgical Procedure code. excluded patients with cancer or maintenance therapy. calculated period prevalence (Norwegian population ≥ 15 years denominator), substance distribution, initial amount proportion long‐acting formulations. Among 746 435 users years, increased from 27.0/1000 to 30.0/1000 2018 (long‐term use: 2.0 3.3/1000). Codeine most frequent (67%) 2011, while codeine tramadol were equally dispensed (41% 43%) 2018; oxycodone 3% 12%. The for opioids group but declined (1236 morphine milligram equivalents [MME]/patient 914 MME/patient) (233 MME/patient 219 MME/patient). Long‐acting depot formulations 5% Over time, increased, shift toward more lower amounts,