Opioid consumption in Spain - the significance of a regulatory measure

Objective: To investigate the impact of new regulatory measures on opioid c onsumption in Spain during the period 1985-1998. Methods: A search in the ECOM (Especialidades Consume de Medicamentos) data base of the Ministry of Health was made for the 1985-1998 period. This data base contains information about drug preparations prescribed in primary car e in the National Health System in Spain. Results: Since 1985-1998, the overall opioid consumption has increased tenf old, from 94.7 DDD (defined daily dose) per million inhabitants per day to more than 1000 DDD. For the five drugs that require a special prescription form (morphine, methadone, pethidine, tilidine and fentanyl), the consumpti on has increased 13.5-fold. Conclusion: A huge increase in opioid consumption has occurred. In this inc rease, changes in supply and, to a lesser extent, regulatory measures have played an important role.