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Antipsychotics use: 2006–2013 trends in prevalence and incidence and characterization of users

  • Pharmacoepidemiology and Prescription
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Abstract

Purpose

The present study was conducted to describe antipsychotic (AP) prevalent and incident use, characteristics of AP users, and their trends in the French population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was repeated yearly from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2013 (for prevalence analysis) or to December 31, 2012 (for incidence analysis) using the French Health Insurance reimbursement database (Echantillon Généraliste de Bénéficiaires, EGB). For each year studied, prevalent and incident AP users were described in terms of age and gender overall, and according to the type of AP (FGAPs or SGAPs) used at index date. In addition, concurrent medications and comorbidities that a priori contraindicate the use of drugs having atropinic properties were researched.

Results

Prevalence and incidence remained relatively stable along the 2007–2013 period. Trends slightly decreased, from 2.07% (n = 10,252) to 2.05% (n = 11,015) for prevalence, and from 0.73% (n = 3461) to 0.66% (n = 3363) for incidence, especially in elderly, in contrast of children and adolescents (+ 39% for prevalence, from 184 to 271). The number of coprescribed drugs was found high (median = 5) and remained constant over time. In 2013, about 7% of prevalent AP users presented with a comorbidity increasing the risk of atropinic ADRs, and 36% used at least one concurrent atropinic drug. In incident AP users, these numbers were of 8 and 29%, respectively.

Conclusions

The present study highlighted a marked shift from FGAPs toward SGAPs, as well as an increase in AP use in children and adolescents in France.

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Funding

The present study is part of the Drugs Systematized Assessment in real-liFe Environment (DRUGS-SAFE) research programme. This programme aims at providing an integrated system allowing the concomitant monitoring of drug use and drug safety in France. It is funded by the French Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM). This publication represents the views of the authors and does not necessarily that of the ANSM.

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Correspondence to François Montastruc.

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Montastruc, F., Bénard-Laribière, A., Noize, P. et al. Antipsychotics use: 2006–2013 trends in prevalence and incidence and characterization of users. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 74, 619–626 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-017-2406-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-017-2406-0

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