Analysis of Prescription Trends for Narcotic Appetite Suppressants: Utilizing the Narcotics Information Management System.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the prescription trends of medical narcotic appetite suppressants in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was extracted from the Narcotics Information Management System dataset from 2020, which encompasses nationwide information concerning the use of medical narcotics. The selected variables for this study included the types of prescribed medical narcotic appetite suppressants, gender, age, region, and the category of medical institution. Regional prescription trends were compared by utilizing the defined daily doses for statistical purposes (S-DDD). RESULTS: The prescription of medical narcotic appetite suppressants was predominantly for females (94%), with the highest prescription rates identified in the 30-40 age group. The majority of these prescriptions were dispensed by clinics. Within the category of narcotic appetite suppressants, phentermine and phendimetrazine were found to have higher prescription rates. Notably, the region of Daegu recorded the highest S-DDD value (12.66) in phentermine consumption. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the need for governmental policy and guidance to address the risks linked to the long-term use of medical narcotic appetite suppressants. This is crucial to ensure their safe and efficacious prescription and administration.