Prescription opioid use in Australian women of reproductive age: implications for unplanned pregnancies.

Aim To examine trends in the prevalence and incidence of prescription opioid analgesic use in Australian women of reproductive age and to estimate the number of calendar months each year that women were dispensed opioids. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study involving women aged 15 to 44 years using pharmaceutical dispensing claims for a 10% random sample of Australians. For the period 2013 to 2020, we calculated the annual prevalence and incidence of opioid analgesic dispensing per 100 (%) population by opioid type and age group. We also estimated the total number of calendar months that women were dispensed at least one opioid each year. Results The prevalence of opioid use decreased from 12.8% in 2013 to 11.3% in 2020, representing a relative decrease of 11.6% (95% CI 10.7%, 12.6%). The incidence of opioid use decreased from 10.3% in 2014 to 8.3% in 2020, representing a relative decrease of 18.6% (95% CI 17.6%, 19.6%). Codeine in combination products, followed by oxycodone and tramadol, were the most prevalent opioids. Prevalence and incidence of opioid use were lowest in women aged 15 to 19 years and the highest in women 30 years and above. Among all women dispensed opioids, 72.7% were dispensed an opioid in only one month each year. Conclusions Prescription opioid use remains common, although decreasing, among women of reproductive age in Australia. However, it is reassuring that the majority of opioid use in this population is short-term.