What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to examine regional trends in opioid safety signals, focusing on oxycodone and fentanyl.

April 11, 2026Open Access

Regional Trends in the Opioid Epidemic Using Safety Signals of Drug Abuse and Dependence: A Disproportionality Analysis Using VigiBase

BSBohyun SuhSungkyunkwan University HOHyung‐Suk OhNano Carbon (Poland)JSJu-Young ShinSamsung (South Korea)

Key Points

This research aims to examine regional trends in opioid safety signals, focusing on oxycodone and fentanyl.
Analyzed data from VigiBase for safety signals of drug abuse and dependence.
Compared reports of oxycodone and fentanyl across different regions including the Americas and Europe.
Assessed potential under-reporting of fentanyl safety signals in Europe.
Consistent safety signals for oxycodone were observed in the Americas and Western Pacific.
No safety signals were found for fentanyl in Europe, suggesting possible under-reporting.
Findings emphasize the need for improved surveillance of illicit opioid use.

Abstract

Oxycodone showed consistent safety signals in the Americas and Western Pacific. The absence of signals for fentanyl and in Europe may reflect under-reporting, highlighting the need for improved surveillance of illicit opioid use.

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