Quantification of missing prescriptions in commercial claims databases: results of a cohort study.

Purpose: This study aims to quantify the magnitude of missed dispensings in commercial claims databases.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study has been used linking PharMetrics, a commercial claims database, to a prescription database (LRx) that captures pharmacy dispensings independently of payment method, including cash transactions. We included adults with dispensings for opioids, diuretics, antiplatelet medications, or anticoagulants.

Effect of Opioids on Testosterone Levels: Cross-Sectional Study using NHANES.

Objective: Opioids can suppress gonadal hormone production, which may result in low testosterone levels. To date, there have been no large-scale population-based studies examining the extent to which opioid use may contribute to changes in testosterone levels.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Dose patterns in commercially insured subjects chronically exposed to opioids: a large cohort study in the United States.

Background: Little data exist on how opioid doses vary with the length of exposure among chronic opioid users.

Methods: To characterize the change in the dosage of opioids over time, a retrospective cohort study using the PharMetrics database for the years 1999 through 2008 was conducted. Individuals exposed to opioids in 2000 who had 2 opioid dispensings at least 6 months apart and were opioid naive (did not receive any opioid 6 month before their exposure in 2000) were included.

Comparison of morphine, ketorolac, and their combination for postoperative pain: results from a large, randomized, double-blind trial.

Background: Meta-analyses report similar numbers needed to treat for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. Differences in baseline pain intensity among the studies from which these numbers needed to treat were derived may have confounded the results. NSAIDs have an opioid-sparing effect, but the importance of this effect is unclear.