NCJ Number
255800
Journal
Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: 2020 Pages: 246-252
Date Published
2020
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The objectives of this study were 1) to examine state- and region-level prevalence and trends in gabapentin prescribing from 2009 to 2016, and 2) to characterize demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals prescribed gabapentin in a nationwide population of commercially insured adults.
Abstract
Gabapentin is prescribed for a variety of conditions and is often used off label. It is important to understand the prevalence of gabapentin prescribing and the characteristics of individuals who are prescribed gabapentin, given increasing concern regarding its potential for misuse. The current retrospective, longitudinal study examined trends in gabapentin prescribing from 2009 to 2016. The study population included individuals aged 18-64 years who were enrolled in a commercial insurance plan at any point from 2009 to 2016. Individuals who were prescribed gabapentin were defined as beneficiaries with at least 1 gabapentin prescription claim in a calendar year (CY). A cross-sectional descriptive analysis was performed to examine differences in demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals prescribed or not prescribed gabapentin in CY 2016. The study found that the prevalence of gabapentin prescribing nearly doubled from 2009 to 2016. During this time, gabapentin prescribing increased in every state (range: 44-179 percent). State-specific prevalence rates in 2016 varied from 12.7 to 43.9 per 1,000 beneficiaries. Overall, 2.7 percent of beneficiaries filled one gabapentin prescription in 2016. Individuals prescribed gabapentin were more likely to fill opioid prescriptions (60.8 percent vs. 16.5 percent P < 0.01); reside in the South (53.7 percent vs. 47 percent, P < 0.01); be female (62.5 percent vs. 52.3 percent, P < 0.01); and be 55-64 years old (41.7 percent vs. 21.2 percent, P < 0.01) compared with the comparator. Individuals who were prescribed gabapentin also had significantly higher rates of seizure disorders, neuropathic pain, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and diabetes. The overall conclusion is that the prevalence of gabapentin prescribing among a U.S. privately insured population has increased steadily in recent years. Additional research should examine co-prescribing of gabapentin in the context of the opioid epidemic. (publisher abstract modified)