Assessing the impact of the slow-release oral morphine drug shortages in Ontario, Canada: A population-based time series analysis

Original research
by
Ledlie, Shaleesa et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Between 2017 and 2021 in Canada, several drug shortages occurred for Kadian© (SROM-24). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of these shortages on people's ability to remain on this medication.

Findings/Key points

The SROM-24 shortages resulted in significant treatment disruptions across all recipients. These findings have important implications for those with few treatment alternatives, including people using SROM-24 as OAT who are at risk of adverse outcomes following treatment disruptions.

Design/methods

In a retrospective population-based time series analysis, we evaluated the association between SROM-24 drug shortages and treatment discontinuation.

Keywords

Substitution/OAT
Transitions in care/treatment
Barriers and enablers
Outcomes