The COVID-19 pandemic and the use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-related drugs in Estonia: an interrupted time-series analysis.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges that worsened people's mental health. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of the population, as indicated by the prevalence rates of benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-related drug (BDZ) use.

Methods: This population-based, time-series analysis included all prescriptions of BDZs dispensed in Estonia between 2012 and 2021.

Compliance with Pregnancy Prevention Recommendations for Isotretinoin Following the Amendment of the European Union Pregnancy Prevention Program: A Repeat Study in Estonia.

Background: Isotretinoin, indicated for severe acne, is a potent teratogen and therefore contraindicated in pregnancy. Thus, the pregnancy prevention program (PPP) for isotretinoin has been introduced.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the concomitant use of isotretinoin and effective contraception and the rate of potential isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies in females of childbearing age in 2017-2020 in Estonia.

Outpatient fluoroquinolone use in relation to European Medicines Agency's recommendation: An Estonian nationwide drug utilization study.

Purpose: To determine possible changes in prescribing of fluoroquinolones in relation to the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) recommendation in October 2018.

Methods: We conducted a nationwide time-series study on outpatient use of fluoroquinolones during January 2016-June 2021 in Estonia. Joinpoint regression was used to identify change points over time.

Pre-pregnancy counseling for women with epilepsy: Can we do better?

Objective: For many women with epilepsy (WWE), decision making about pregnancy is difficult, due mainly to the potential teratogenic risks of anti-seizure medications (ASMs). Pre-pregnancy counseling is essential to minimize these risks. This study was conducted to assess the rate and effectiveness of pre-pregnancy counseling for women treated with valproate (VPA) in Estonia.

Trends in the use of hormonal contraception in Estonia 2005-2019 and the risk of arterial and venous thromboembolism: a population-based study.

Purpose: To describe trends in hormonal contraceptive use, incidence of thromboembolism and presence of risk factors for thromboembolism among the users in Estonia.

Material And Methods: Data of 223 312 female patients aged 15-49 years in 2005-2019 from national health insurance databases was derived. Annual prevalence rates of hormonal contraceptive users, incidence rates of thromboembolism and prevalence rates of risk factors were calculated.

Trends in opioid prescribing in Estonia (2011-2017).

Our objective was to examine the trends and variation in opioid prescribing in Estonia from 2011 to 2017. This retrospective cross-sectional study is based on a nationwide prescription medicines database. We stratified the analysis by treatment indication (cancer vs noncancer pain).

Valproic acid prescription trends among females of childbearing age in Estonia: A 14-year nationwide prescription database study.

Purpose: Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used anticonvulsant that is effective against most seizure types. Due to its teratogenic effects, its use should be avoided among females of childbearing age, unless other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of VPA use in 2005-2018 in Estonia, with special attention to females of childbearing age.

Compliance with Pregnancy Prevention Recommendations for Isotretinoin in Estonia in 2012-2016.

Background: Isotretinoin is an effective treatment for severe acne; no alternative treatment has an equal therapeutic effect. The teratogenic effects of isotretinoin can be avoided, and numerous recommendations and regulations are in force to minimize the risk of pregnancy during treatment.

Objectives: To describe isotretinoin prescription patterns for women aged 15-45 years, assess the concomitancy of isotretinoin and contraceptive use, and determine the rate of potential isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies in Estonia.