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Prescription Data (prescription + data)
Selected AbstractsAntipsychotic prescribing trends: a review of pharmaco-epidemiological studiesACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010H. Verdoux Objective:, To review findings from pharmaco-epidemiological studies exploring antipsychotic (AP) drugs prescribing trends. Method:, We retrieved original studies that explored AP prescribing trends in general population samples since 2000. For each study, we extracted information on sampling method, period, assessment of AP use and corresponding estimates (incidence rates, prevalence rates, pharmacy sales, prescription data) and diagnostic assessment. Results:, Nearly all studies meeting the inclusion criteria (n = 17) showed an increase in AP prescriptions, mainly because of a dramatic rise in second-generation antipsychotics (SGAP) prescriptions. APs are often prescribed for non-psychotic disorders in adults as well as in children and adolescents. Conclusion:, Considering the growing number of persons from the general population exposed to APs, population studies assessing the risk/benefit ratio of SGAP use in disorders other than psychosis are necessary, particularly in children and adolescents. [source] Pharmacoepidemiologic study of potential drug interactions in outpatients of a university hospital in ThailandJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 1 2005B. Janchawee PhD Summary Background:, Drug,drug interaction is a potential cause of adverse drug reactions. The incidence of such drug interactions in university hospitals in Thailand is unknown. Purpose:, To estimate the rate of potential drug,drug interactions in outpatients of a typical Thai university hospital, and to identify risk factors for such interactions in Thai patients. Methods:, One-year outpatients' prescription data were retrieved from the hospital computer records. Potential drug interactions were identified using the existing drug-interaction database system. Potential interactions within a specific prescription and involving drugs prescribed 1-, 3- and 7-day earlier were searched for. Possible associations between occurrence of an interaction and a patient's age and gender and the number of items on the prescription were explored. Results:, The overall rate of potential drug interactions was 27·9% with a maximal value of 57·8% at the Department of Psychiatry. The rate of the most potentially significant interactions was 2·6%, being the highest in the Department of Medicine (6·0%), with isoniazid vs. rifampin as the most common interacting combination. The rate increased with the patient's age and prescription size (P = 0·000). The odd's ratio of having at least one potential drug interaction was 1·8 (64·2%) when age increased by 20 years (P = 0·000) and 2·8 (165·7%) when another drug was added (P = 0·000). The rate of potential drug interactions was the same for both genders. The rate of potential drug interactions detected across prescriptions was higher than within prescriptions and was dependent on the time interval between prescriptions. Conclusions:, Potential drug interactions were common in our sample of patients. The rate of such interactions increased with the number of drugs prescribed and the patient's age. [source] Usefulness of prescription monitoring programs for surveillance,analysis of Schedule II opioid prescription data in Massachusetts, 1996,2006,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 2 2010Nathaniel Katz Abstract Purpose Electronic prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) have been developed in many states as a public health surveillance tool. We analyze herein 11 years of Massachusetts PMP data to evaluate trends in opioid prescribing, dispensing, and usage. Methods Prescription records from the Massachusetts PMP for Schedule II opioids from fiscal year 1996 to 2006 were analyzed. ,Questionable activity' (potential ,doctor shopping') estimates were based on individual use of multiple prescribers and pharmacies, and early refills. Results The number of prescriptions, doses prescribed, and individuals receiving Schedule II prescription opioids steadily increased from 1996 to 2006. Most individuals (87.5%) used 1,2 prescribers, 1,2 pharmacies, and had no early refills (2006). The greater the number of prescribers used, the greater the number of pharmacies used. When defined as the use of ,4 prescribers and ,4 pharmacies, questionable activity accounted for 2748 individuals, 47,953 prescriptions, and 2,966,056 doses (2006). The Schedule II opioid most highly associated with questionable activity was short-acting oxycodone. Conclusions PMPs can become a useful public health surveillance tool to monitor the medical and non-medical use of prescription opioids and to inform public health and safety policy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An algorithm to identify antidepressant users with a diagnosis of depression from prescription dataPHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 1 2009Helga Gardarsdottir PharmD Abstract Purpose Antidepressants are used for many indications besides depression. This makes investigating depression treatment outcomes in prescription databases problematic when the indication is unknown. The aim of our study is to develop an algorithm to identify antidepressant drug users from prescription data that suffer from depression. Methods Data for deriving the algorithm were obtained from the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice, carried out in 2001 by The Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), and for validation the Integrated Primary Care Information (IPCI) database was used. Both sets included adults receiving their first antidepressant drug in 2001 (n,=,1855 and 3321, respectively). The outcome was a registered diagnosis of depression. Covariates investigated for developing the algorithm were patient and prescribing characteristics, and co-medication. Results The predictive algorithm included age, SSRI prescribed on the index date, prescribed dose, general practitioner as prescriber and the number of antidepressant prescriptions prescribed plus medication for treating acid related disorders, laxatives, cardiac therapy or hypnotics/sedatives prescribed in the 6 months prior to index date. The probability that the algorithm correctly identified an antidepressant drug user as having a depression diagnosis was 79% with a sensitivity of 79.6% and a specificity of 66.9%. Conclusion In conclusion, we developed and validated an algorithm that can be used to compose cohorts of patients treated with antidepressants for depression from prescription databases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Benzodiazepines and injury: a risk adjusted model,,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 1 2005Dustin D. French MA Abstract Background Benzodiazepines (BZD) are one class of medications that are generally acknowledged to be a risk factor for injuries. Objective Our objective was to link outpatient prescription data with clinical data in order to develop a risk adjusted binary model that associates BZD usage with the risk for a healthcare encounter for an injury. Methods In total, 3 years of outpatient BZD prescription data, totaling 133,872 outpatient BZD prescriptions for 13,745 patients for a VA medical center, were combined with data from inpatient and outpatient administrative databases. The model incorporated Elixhauser comorbidity measures with 1-year look back period, along with hospital discharges, marital status, age, mean arterial pressure and body mass index. The model also included the dose of the drug, converted to valium equivalents and its duration. The model was analyzed using generalized estimation equations (GEE). Results Dose, duration, discharges and various comorbidities were associated with an increased risk for injury, while being married reduced the risk. Increased body mass was associated with increased injury risk. Increased mean arterial pressure was associated with decreased risk. Conclusions These findings offer guidance on how specific combinations of risk factors and potential protective effects may impact accidental injury risk. Clinicians prescribing or adjusting BZDs can use these results to more accurately tailor medication regimens for a patient. Our findings suggest that clinicians should also consider the nature of the social support system available to the patient in assessing total injury risk. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] New approaches to analysing prescription data and to transfer pharmacoepidemiological and evidence-based reports to prescribersPHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 8 2002Antonio Addis First page of article [source] Multicentre evaluation of prescribing concurrence with anti-infective guidelines: epidemiological assessment of indicatorsPHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 5 2002Roel Fijn Abstract Purpose To assess indicators for anti-infective prescribing not concurrent with regional pharmacotherapeutic treatment guidelines (PTGs) on infectious diseases. Methods A retrospective explorative cohort study based on hospital-wide anti-infective prescription data of a 2-month cross-sectional period (n=1037). Risk rates (absolute risks: AR), risk rate ratios (relative risks: RR) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated for patient, disease, drug, and prescriber variables considered to be potential indicators. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Findings Non-concurrence existed of non-indicated prescribing of (particular) anti-infectives (24.3%) and prescribing of non-first choice anti-infectives (55.2%). Non-concurrent durations of treatment and dosing issues accounted for 17.2% and 16.2% respectively. Non-concurrence was associated with empirical therapy, with certain diagnoses, such as skin and soft tissue, urinary, and osteoarthrological infections, and with prescriptions involving topical dosage forms, cephalosporins, macrolides and lincosamides, and quinolones. There was also an association with certain hospitals and with prescribing by geriatricians, surgeons, pulmonologists, and urologists and, in general, junior clinicians in training. Conclusions Other hospitals could use our epidemiological framework to identify their own indicators for non-concurrent prescribing. Our findings suggest tailor-made enforcement of PTG adherence for certain prescribers while conversely, adaptation of the PTGs will be required for some infectious diseases. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Privacy issues and the monitoring of sumatriptan in the New Zealand Intensive Medicines Monitoring ProgrammePHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 7 2001DTM&H, David M. Coulter MB Abstract Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how the New Zealand (NZ) Intensive Medicines Monitoring Programme (IMMP) functions in relation to NZ privacy laws and to describe the attitudes of patients to drug safety monitoring and the privacy of their personal and health information. Methods The IMMP undertakes prospective observational event monitoring cohort studies on new drugs. The cohorts are established from prescription data and the events are obtained using prescription event monitoring and spontaneous reporting. Personal details, prescribing history of the monitored drugs and adverse events data are stored in databases long term. The NZ Health Information Privacy Code is outlined and the monitoring of sumatriptan is used to illustrate how the IMMP functions in relation to the Code. Patient responses to the programme are described. Results Sumatriptan was monitored in 14,964 patients and 107,646 prescriptions were recorded. There were 2344 reports received describing 3987 adverse events. A majority of the patients were involved in the recording of events data either personally or by telephone interview. There were no objections to the monitoring process on privacy grounds. Conclusion Given the fact that all reasonable precautions are taken to ensure privacy, patients perceive drug safety to have greater priority than any slight risk of breach of confidentiality concerning their personal details and health information. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Guide to properties and efficacy of drugs used in migrainePRESCRIBER, Issue 17 2010Manuela Fontebasso MB ChB It is essential to devise an individualised treatment plan in the management of migraine. Our Drug review considers the properties and efficacy of the various drugs used in treatment and prevention, followed by an analysis of prescription data and sources of further information. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Asthma: tips and pitfalls in diagnosis and treatmentPRESCRIBER, Issue 15-16 2010Chris Corrigan PhD Perfect control of asthma is now a realistic goal for many patients and several management guidelines are available. Here, Professor Corrigan considers some aspects of diagnosis and treatment and gives some tips and pitfalls in management, followed by sources of further information and an analysis of prescription data. [source] Evaluation and recommended treatment of anaemiaPRESCRIBER, Issue 12 2010Alastair Smith FRCP, FRCPath The management of anaemia first requires an evaluation of the underlying cause of the disorder. Our Drug review considers the various oral and parenteral treatments available, followed by an analysis of prescription data and sources of further information. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Current treatment options in the management of severe painPRESCRIBER, Issue 6 2010FFARCSI, FFPMRCA, William Campbell MD Opioids are the most frequently used agents for severe nociceptive pain and should not be withheld in chronic noncancer pain. Our Drug review discusses the properties and efficacy of the opioids in common use, followed by an analysis of the prescription data and sources of further information. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Drugs in type 2 diabetes: their properties and recommended usePRESCRIBER, Issue 5 2010Ian Campbell FRCP There are now six classes of oral antidiabetic drugs and a new class of injectable GLP-1 agonists in the drug therapy of type 2 diabetes, with metformin remaining the cornerstone of treatment. Our Drug review considers their mode of action, properties and recommended use, followed by sources of further information and an analysis of prescription data. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Acne: guide to features and recommended managementPRESCRIBER, Issue 15-16 2009Edward Seaton MA Acne typically presents during puberty and can cause significant psychological morbidity and facial scaring. Our Drug review describes the underlying aetiology of acne development and the available treatments, followed by a review of the prescription data and sources of further information. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] ACE inhibitors: their propertiesand current role in hypertensionPRESCRIBER, Issue 14 2009Sze-Yuan Ooi MB BS ACE inhibitors remain the first-line choice of treatment of hypertension in patients under 55 years, and second line in other patient groups. Our Drug Review considers their properties and the latest evidence for their use in hypertension, followed by further sources of information and an analysis of prescription data. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd. [source] Glaucoma: target intraocular pressures and current treatmentsPRESCRIBER, Issue 7 2009FRCOphth, James McAllister FRCS Our Drug review of glaucoma management describes the use of target intraocular pressures in directing treatment, and the medical, laser and surgical management options. This is followed by an analysis of prescription data and sources of further information. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Depression: current approaches to management in primary carePRESCRIBER, Issue 4 2009Ian Reid PhD, MRCPsych Our Drug review describes current prescribing guidelines and the properties of the antidepressant drugs available and discusses recent controversies surrounding antidepressant use. This is followed by further sources of information in Resources and an analysis of prescription data. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Insomnia: guide to diagnosis and choice of treatmentPRESCRIBER, Issue 8 2008Sue Wilson PhD The tiredness and poor performance associated with insomnia have a considerable impact on quality of life. Our Drug Review considers when drug treatments are justified and which are preferred, followed by sources of further information and a review of prescription data. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Current drug treatments for female urinary incontinencePRESCRIBER, Issue 23 2006Tarang Majmudar MRCOG Several new drug treatments are now marketed for incontinence with improved efficacy and reduced side-effects. Our Drug review discusses the range of drugs currently available to treat this condition, followed by a review of prescription data, sources of further information and the Datafile. Copyright © 2006 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Current management of inflammatory bowel diseasePRESCRIBER, Issue 22 2006Sally Parry MD Inflammatory bowel disease is a common disorder that affects young and old and has great impact on the lives of those affected. Our Drug Review discusses the properties and recommended use of the treatments currently available, followed by sources of further information, an analysis of prescription data and the Datafile. Copyright © 2006 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Appropriate drug treatment of mild-to-moderate painPRESCRIBER, Issue 18 2006DPMed (CARCSI), FFARCSI, William Campbell MD In this Drug review on the management of mild-to-moderate nociceptive pain, the author discusses the properties of the analgesics available and their efficacy, side-effects and interactions. This is followed by a review of prescription data, further sources of information and the Datafile. Copyright © 2006 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Current drug management of BPH in primary carePRESCRIBER, Issue 14 2006Claire Taylor MRCS The range of drug treatments for BPH, alone and in combination, allow many patients to be managed in primary care and delay the need for referral. Our Drug review considers their efficacy and side-effects, followed by sources of further information, an analysis of prescription data and the Datafile. Copyright © 2006 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Lipid-lowering treatment: today's recommended managementPRESCRIBER, Issue 10 2006Jane Armitage MRCP Lipid-lowering therapy is now recommended for nearly all patients at increased cardiovascular risk regardless of their cholesterol level. Our Drug Review discusses the efficacy and adverse effects of the various lipid-lowering therapies, followed by sources of further information, an analysis of prescription data and the Datafile. Copyright © 2006 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Annotation: The use of psychotropic medications in children: a British viewTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 2 2003David Bramble Background: Prescribing practices relating to the use of psychotropic medication with mentally disordered children have changed significantly in Britain over recent years. Methods: I conducted a review of the modest body of empirical data available relating to the prescribing practices of child psychiatrists, paediatricians and general practitioners (primary care physicians). The data were obtained primarily from postal questionnaire studies but also from British drug studies and a government-sponsored evaluation of the efficacy of stimulant medication. Postgraduate training guidelines for the three principal clinical disciplines are also discussed. Results: Systematic evaluation of prescribing practices has a relatively short history. All the studies reviewed demonstrated consistent methodological weaknesses, the most important of which was reliance upon retrospective reports of prescribing practices from clinicians with no analysis of actual prescription data. No studies relating to the general use of psychotropic medication by paediatricians were found. Child psychiatrists and general practitioners appear to be using a range of drugs for a range of conditions; however, there was evidence of intra- and interdisciplinary variations in practice. It was also evident from the general practitioner data that drug treatments were frequently used for conditions best managed with behavioural methods (e.g., common sleep problems and enuresis). Government prescription data relating to methylphenidate use in ADHD reveal a dramatic rise over the past ten years. Currently, most child psychiatrists use this treatment compared to approximately half the profession only seven years ago. The use of newer antipsychotic agents as well as the SSRI antidepressants appears to be growing in child psychiatric practice. A majority of clinicians surveyed believed that medication was an important treatment modality but also felt that they were relatively unskilled in the field and requested further training. Conclusions: Overall, a picture of both a growing and better informed use of psychotropic medication is emerging in Britain despite shortcomings in postgraduate training. Future research needs to evaluate prescribing practice in a more objective manner in order to improve training and also service developments in the field. [source] Medications used in overdose and how they are acquired , an investigation of cases attending an inner Melbourne emergency departmentAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 4 2010Penny Buykx Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate which categories of medication are most commonly implicated in overdose, to compare this information with prescription data and to explore how the medications used in overdoses are typically acquired. Methods: A 12-month audit (11/2003,10/2004) of all medication overdose presentations to an inner-Melbourne ED was conducted and the medications compared to published population-based prescription data. Interviews were conducted with 31 patients who attended the ED following a medication overdose and typical stories regarding the acquisition of medications reported. Results: The same broad categories of medications identified in earlier studies were found to contribute to the majority of overdoses in this study, namely benzodiazepines, antidepressants, analgesics and antipsychotics. Two benzodiazepine medications, diazepam and alprazolam, appeared to be over-represented in the overdose data relative to their population rates of prescription. Patient interviews revealed three main reasons for the original acquisition of the medications used in overdose: treatment purposes (77%); recreational use (16%); and overdose (7%). The most common source of medications (68%) used in overdose was prescription by the patient's usual doctor. Conclusion: The high representation of benzodiazepines among medications used in overdose is of ongoing concern. Implications: The time of medication prescription and dispensing may be an ideal opportunity for overdose prevention, through judicious prescribing, consideration of treatment alternatives, patient education and encouraging the safe disposal of unused medications. [source] Comparison of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors use in Australia and Nova Scotia (Canada)BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Nadia Barozzi WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT , Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors were marketed aggressively and their rapid uptake caused safety concerns and budgetary challenges in Canada and Australia. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS , The study showed that there were similarities in the anti-inflammatory prescribing pattern between Australia and Nova Scotia; however, volumes of both ns-NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors prescribed were higher in Australia in the study period. The remarkable increase observed in Australia in NSAIDs use was essentially due to the much higher COX-2 inhibitor use. Differences in regulatory and marketing practices, as well as cultural and historical differences might be some of the reasons for differences in the NSAID prescribing between Australia and Nova Scotia. AIMS Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors were marketed aggressively and their rapid uptake caused safety concerns and budgetary challenges in Canada and Australia. The objectives of this study were to compare and contrast COX-2 inhibitors and nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ns-NSAID) use in Nova Scotia (Canada) and Australia and to identify lessons learned from the two jurisdictions. METHODS Ns-NSAID and COX-2 inhibitor Australian prescription data (concession beneficiaries) were downloaded from the Medicare Australia website (2001,2006). Similar Pharmacare data were obtained for Nova Scotia (seniors and those receiving Community services). Defined daily doses per 1000 beneficiaries day,1 were calculated. COX-2 inhibitors/all NSAIDs ratios were calculated for Australia and Nova Scotia. Ns-NSAIDs were divided into low, moderate and high risk for gastrointestinal side-effects and the proportions of use in each group were determined. Which drugs accounted for 90% of use was also calculated. RESULTS Overall NSAID use was different in Australia and Nova Scotia. However, ns-NSAID use was similar. COX-2 inhibitor dispensing was higher in Australia. The percentage of COX-2 inhibitor prescriptions over the total NSAID use was different in the two countries. High-risk NSAID use was much higher in Australia. Low-risk NSAID prescribing increased in Nova Scotia over time. The low-risk/high-risk ratio was constant throughout over the period in Australia and increased in Nova Scotia. CONCLUSIONS There are significant differences in Australia and Nova Scotia in use of NSAIDs, mainly due to COX-2 prescribing. Nova Scotia has a higher proportion of low-risk NSAID use. Interventions to provide physicians with information on relative benefits and risks of prescribing specific NSAIDs are needed, including determining their impact. [source] An increase in the prevalence of type 1 and 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: results from prescription data from a UK general practice databaseBRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Yingfen Hsia WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT , Increasing antidiabetic drugs use in youths has been reported in the USA, however there is a lack of epidemiological evidence in the UK. , There is an increase in the prevalence of both type 1 and 2 diabetes, but precise estimates are difficult to obtain and as such are uninformative for future health services planning. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS , The prevalence of children receiving insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs has increased twofold and eightfold, respectively, between 1998 and 2005. , The data reflect the prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes rapidly increase in recent years. , The prevalence of antidiabetic drug use increases with increasing age, especially among those aged 12,18 years. , Consideration needs to be given to the funding and design of future services for children and particularly adolescents with diabetes to take account of these epidemiological findings. AIMS Despite evidence of an increase in the incidence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in youths, there are few data on the prevalence of either type in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of childhood diabetes over an 8-year period in the UK. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study that covered 8 years (January 1998 to December 2005) of UK IMS Disease Analyzer (IMS DA) data. The cohort comprised all children and adolescents aged 0,18 years who received at least one antidiabetic drug prescription during the study period. The prevalence of antidiabetic drug prescribing was used as a proxy for diabetes itself. RESULTS Data were available on 505 754 children aged 0,18 years and a total of 37 225 antidiabetic prescriptions were issued. Insulin use increased significantly from 1.08 per 1000 children [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96, 1.20] in 1998 to 1.98 (95% CI 1.80, 2.10) in 2005 (P < 0.001), more markedly in those aged 12 and 18 years. The use of oral antidiabetic drugs for diabetes treatment rose significantly from 0.006 per 1000 children in 1998 (95% CI 0.0043, 0.017) to 0.05 (95% CI 0.025, 0.080) (P < 0.001) in 2005. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates a significant increase in prevalence on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatment in children and adolescents in the UK. Thus, this supporting evidence from other sources that the prevalence of childhood diabetes is rising rapidly. Further epidemiological studies are required to investigate the aetiology and risk factors. [source] Antiepileptic drug utilization: a Danish prescription database analysisACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2001P. Rochat Objectives, The purpose of the study was to use prescription data from a Danish database to analyse and evaluate antiepileptic drug (AED) utilization, and compare with other prevalence studies. Methods, A Danish research database covering outpatient prescription data from a population of 471,873 persons was used. Prescription records on all patients prescribed AEDs during 1998 were retrieved. A cohort was extracted from the group of AED users. Results, We identified 5426 AED users. A total of 3756 of the 5426 AED users were included in our cohort. Of the subjects in the cohort 74% were on monotherapy, 19% used two AEDs and only 7% used three or more AEDs. The eight most frequent regimens were all monotherapy: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, valproic acid, lamotrigine, clonazepam, phenytoin and primidon in that order. The estimated crude 1-year prevalence of AED use was 0.77% for women and 0.83% for men (P<0.001), and it increased with age for both genders. Conclusions, The prescription pattern reported here is in accordance with the general guidelines for the treatment of epilepsy in Denmark, except for a surprisingly extensive use of phenobarbital. With specific reservations the figures appear to be reasonable estimates of the prevalence of epilepsy. [source] | ||||||||||