Opioid prescription patterns in the province of Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain (2016–2020): differences between urban and rural areas

Introduction: The use of opioids has increased markedly in the past decades European countries, especially for treatment non-cancer pain including painful chronic musculoskeletal conditions. However, there are some notable differences relative levels between geographical areas and distinct, context-specific patterns weak strong opioid use. aim this work is to describe real world trends dosage forms population exposure prescription on isolated geographically area: Canary Islands Gran Canaria, Lanzarote Fuerteventura, Spain. For this, several factors such as living a rural or urban area, over 65 years age, density socioeconomic status were analyzed. Methods: Data extracted from wholesalers who supply community pharmacies at level. Prescription was measured defined daily doses (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants day. A model based covariance analysis with two nested fixed one co-variable used contrast different Results: overall DDD 1000 day year variation rate Spain very similar that obtained Canaria Fuerteventura (0.967 vs. 1.006), although dispensation (14.75 versus 18.24 12.7 respectively). completely all issues, where consumption remained stable during study period, but decreasing tendency. level varied islands, 56.41% 17.61% these values stable. Tramadol acetaminophen monotherapy most consumed opioids, whereas Buprenorphine followed by Fentanyl, demand it transdermal formulations frequent pharmaceutical preparation. Conclusion: likely explained prescribing practices each island, urbanicity level, does not help explain across areas.