Original research
by
Roxburgh, Amanda & Suzanne Nielsen
Release Date
2022
Geography
Australia
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
No
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
This paper investigates 20-year trends in fentanyl deaths in Australia, distinguishing between deaths attributable to pharmaceutical, and to illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.
Findings/Key points
Pharmaceutical fentanyl deaths in Australia have declined since 2015, in parallel with overall declines in pharmaceutical opioids (including fentanyl) dispensed since 2014. Deaths continue to occur among people with a history of injecting drug use and drug dependence. Deaths attributable to illicit fentanyl have emerged since 2013 but remain low in comparison to pharmaceutical fentanyl deaths.
Design/methods
Data from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS).
Keywords
Mortality
Illegal drugs
